Sad News : Sa Rugby head coach is been suspended due…..
Boks have several World Cup winners in their squad
Meanwhile, the Boks have 10 players in their squad, who were in the matchday 23 when they beat the All Blacks in the 2023 World Cup final in Paris, with experienced lock Eben Etzebeth set to win his 119th cap – more than Wales‘ entire pack.
“You have to go through that pain sometimes and be able to come out the other side. There is nothing wrong with that – you have to be brave and overcome your fear factor,” said Gatland.
“You are going out there and playing against big men and it’s going to hurt. You have to go through some pain.
“That is the way you improve, by playing against the best. That’s not just in rugby but any sport – it is the biggest part of your development
“Test match rugby is tough and physical, and you have got to be able to handle adversity. It is probably not the politically correct thing at the moment in today’s society, but you have to be mentally tough.”
Wales have three debutants in their ranks with Cardiff scrum half Ellis Bevan set to start, while Scarlets’ centre Eddie James and Cardiff utility back Jacob Beetham are hoping to get game-time off the replacements bench.
Wales team: Dewi Lake returns as Warren Gatland backs rookie nine against Springboks
Meanwhile, it will also be a momentous occasion for veteran Springboks front-row Vincent Koch, who will run out for his 50th Test in green and gold.
“When I look back at my own experience as a young player coming through and playing for Waikato against Auckland, who were full of All Blacks and one of the best teams in the world back then, they put 40 points on us,” added Gatland.
