It is a measure of the faith Warren Gatland has in his revitalised Wales that they will go into an autumn international against a tier-one nation without the goal-kicking security of Leigh Halfpenny or Dan Biggar in the starting XV for the first time since 2010 when they face South Africa on Saturday.
Wales’ Leigh Halfpenny ruled out of Springboks match due to concussion
Halfpenny has been ruled out by concussion and replaced by Liam Williams in the only change from the side that defeated Australia two weeks ago. Biggar is on the bench, with Gareth Anscombe starting at fly-half and assuming the kicking responsibility, with no back-up in the starting side.
Wales, who will wear rainbow laces in support of their former captain Gareth Thomas after he was the victim of a homophobic assault last weekend, are seeking their ninth consecutive win. Having had to wait 93 years for their first victory over South Africa, in 1999, they are aiming for their second this year and fourth in succession as they look to consolidate their position of third in the world and record a first clean sweep in the autumn.