Wales not afraid of South Africa - Byrne

Wales are not scared of South Africa and won’t settle for just a quarter-final place, says Lee Byrne.

Wales face South Africa in the last eight of the World Cup on Saturday as they go in search of back to back semi-final appearances at a Rugby World Cup.

“Forget what has happened so far, it’s all about facing South Africa and I think they can beat them,” said Byrne.

“They have done it before and beat them in their last outing and it’s not a team that they are scared off. Warren Gatland has rested a few of the players for this game so the whole squad will be raring to go now.”

Victory over South Africa at Twickenham would set them up for a potential date with New Zealand in the semi-finals after Wales’ defeat to Australia last Saturday meant they now have a tougher route to the final.

Byrne added: “You have to credit Australia to put in a performance like that. It’s not often I’ve seen them perform like that where they keep the scoreboard ticking over without playing an erratic style of rugby. It was spot on.

“I don’t think it will faze Wales having tough game ahead now though. They have got so much belief in the squad and like I have mentioned they can beat South Africa.

“Maybe before the Australia game, because they had beaten Wales in the last 10 games, you would’ve thought they would be favourites, but that isn’t the case for South Africa this weekend.”

Once again heading into another World Cup game, Wales have more injury problems as Liam Williams was ruled out for the rest of the tournament and he may even miss the 2016 Six Nations. This presented another selection dilemma for Warren Gatland.

In the end, Gatland decided to move George North back to his usual wing position due to the absence of Williams and the Wales coach decided to pair Jamie Roberts with 20 year-old Tyler Morgan at centre rather than opting for James Hook.

And Byrne said before the selection was made that he would have gone with Hook – who has 80 caps for his country.

“From the start of the tournament, Williams has been up and down with his foot and he would’ve liked a more consistent tournament, but has been held back by injuries. But, Liam is a class player so Wales will be disappointed he is missing.

"Morgan is a real talent, but he still has a lot to learn whereas James Hook has been there and done it and World Cups and on Lions Tours and I would go with him.

“If Tyler does get the chance and then he will certainly not let anyone down.”

Wales’ backline has continually changed throughout this tournament due to the mass injuries they have had and Gareth Anscombe is currently filling the boots of Leigh Halfpenny – who suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in a warm-up game v Italy.

Anscombe now applies his club rugby trade at Cardiff Blues after being part of the Auckland set-up in New Zealand who act as a primary feeder to Super Rugby team – Blues.

And former Wales full-back Byrne believes the 24-year old’s experience against in the Southern Hemisphere will certainly aid Wales on Sunday.

“Gareth is a class player, said Byrne. He has had experience in the Super 15 and has now been brought over to Wales and it’s just about playing him now.

“He used to play against some of these South African players week in, week out so he knows them which will be an advantage to Wales.”

“Overall, I have been impressed with South Africa’s strong pack and centres Jesse Kriel and Damian De Allende, but I don’t think Wales will just be satisfied with a quarter-final place.

“That win over England has galvanised them and the whole nation are proud of what the boys have achieved and it’s not over yet.”