Wales vs. South Africa: A Deep Dive into a Historic Rivalry & That Bloemfontein Triumph
The Welsh national rugby team concludes it’s 2025 Autumn International series this Saturday with a formidable challenge: a Test match against the reigning world champions, South Africa. This fixture represents not just a sporting contest, but a clash steeped in history, a narrative of fluctuating fortunes, and a testament to the enduring passion for rugby in both nations. While the Springboks historically dominate the head-to-head record, with 35 wins in 43 encounters – including a especially lopsided 96-13 victory back in 1988 - a recent Welsh victory in South Africa serves as a potent reminder that upsets are possible. This article will delve into the complexities of this rivalry,revisit the momentous 2022 triumph in Bloemfontein,and explore what Wales needs to do to challenge the Springboks once more.
A History of Contests: wales and South Africa
The relationship between Welsh and South African rugby dates back to 1906, evolving through periods of intense competition and, at times, political complexity.Early matches were characterized by the physicality of South African play and the tactical ingenuity of the Welsh. The Springboks, consistently ranked among the top teams globally – currently holding the #2 spot in the World Rugby Rankings as of November 26, 2025, according to World.Rugby – have frequently enough presented a critically important hurdle for Wales.
However, the welsh have consistently demonstrated the ability to rise to the occasion. Beyond the 1988 outlier, Wales has secured crucial victories, often fueled by passionate home support and a commitment to expansive, attacking rugby. The 2022 victory, though, stands apart. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. It proved Wales could conquer the Springboks on their home turf, a feat previously unachieved. This victory, occurring amidst a period of rebuilding for the Welsh squad, injected a renewed sense of belief and optimism into the nation’s rugby fanbase. Recent data from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) shows a 15% increase in season ticket sales following the Bloemfontein win, demonstrating the tangible impact of success.
Recalling the Bloemfontein Breakthrough: The 2022 Starting XV
The July 2022 victory in Bloemfontein wasn’t simply luck; it was the culmination of meticulous planning, extraordinary individual performances, and unwavering team spirit. But can you recall the heroes who etched their names into Welsh rugby history that day?
Let’s test your memory. Here was the Welsh starting XV that defied the odds:
- Rhys Carre
- Ryan Elias
- Dillon Lewis
- Alun Wyn Jones (Captain)
- Adam Beard
- Josh Navidi
- Tommy Reffell
- Taulupe Faletau
- Tomos Williams
- Dan Biggar
- Louis Rees-Zammit
- George North
- Willis Halaholo
- Alex Cuthbert
- Liam Williams
This team, expertly guided by then-head coach Wayne Pivac, executed a game plan focused on disrupting the Springbok pack and exploiting space in the backline. The performance of Taulupe Faletau at number eight was particularly noteworthy, providing a crucial link between the forwards and backs. Dan Biggar’s tactical kicking and composure under pressure were also instrumental in securing the victory.
| Metric | Wales (2022 Bloemfontein) | South africa (2022 Bloemfontein) |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 46% | 54% |
| Territory | 42% | 58% |
| Tackles Made | 98 | 78 |