Wayne Pivac: Pressure on Springboks ahead of series decider with Wales
Wayne Pivac can become the first Wales coach to win a series in South Africa
©PA
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has suggested that the ‘pressure is on the home team’ ahead of his side's final game against South Africa on Saturday.
Wales came back last week to level their series at 1-1 with the Springboks, however, Pivac has talked about putting the first two Tests behind them and starting on a fresh page ahead of the third encounter in Cape Town.
"To take it to the last game, I think that adds a little bit of spice and a little bit of pressure," said Pivac. "Look at this as a one off game and a winner takes all."
But the Welsh head coach did not discount the efforts of his players and praised his team for ‘going toe to toe with two different sides’ since the start of the tour after the world champions made 14 changes last time out.
He also believes they could have the edge coming into the final Test due to more continuity compared to their South African counterparts.
Meanwhile, Wales captain and fly-half Dan Biggar is ‘feeling good and confident’ after recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in the second Test, but suggested he is not the only one carrying knocks in the squad with there being a ‘few more dinged up bodies’ around camp.
He has also stressed the need for the away side to be clinical, highlighting how Wales and South Africa games are historically tight affairs. The skipper also called for a ‘disciplined and 80-minute performance’ at the weekend if they are to stand a chance of clinching the series.
"We go out there and try and apply as much pressure as we can on South Africa and see how they respond, rather than us getting uptight and tense," Biggar said.
"It is a huge occasion on Saturday and we have to make sure we enjoy it, play with a bit of freedom, be sensible and disciplined but go out and pile into everything."
He also spoke about the theatrics and ferocity of the last two Tests suggesting Wales ‘didn't want to come here and lie down and roll the carpet out’ for South Africa.
Biggar went on to explain that ‘keeping the ball on the park as much as possible’ is a must against the Springboks as their lineout game and maul is something the Welsh will want to limit. “Playing in the right parts of the field" will be crucial for a South African side that loves territory.
The Wales captain also paid tribute to Eben Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi ahead of their 100th and 50th caps respectively, congratulating them on their achievements.
He also celebrated George North’s milestone in which he will become the most capped Welsh back with 105 appearances, describing his teammate as being ‘reinvented at centre’ ahead of their potentially historic decider with the world champions.
