Jamie Roberts highlights how ‘Springbok juggernaut’ can ‘weirdly’ benefit struggling Wales
Split with Springboks and Jamie Roberts.
Legendary centre Jamie Roberts believes there is a silver lining around the visit from the world champion Springboks facing Wales this weekend.
It is not a good period for Wales who have now lost 11 Tests in a row – their worst-ever run and certainly far off the successful team Roberts was part of in Warren Gatland’s first tenure in charge.
Wales v Springboks preview: No ‘fairytale ending’ for Warren Gatland
Blessing in disguise
For a team that is down and out, one would think the commanding Springboks coming to town would be a worst-case scenario, however, Roberts believes otherwise.
The former Welsh star believes that facing a team of such a high calibre forces players to up their game and sharpen up – exactly what Wales need right now.
“In a weird way, there’s not a better team to come to town this week for Wales, because the best side in the world are coming to town,” Roberts said.
“If there’s ever a team to sharpen and focus the mind, it’s the Springboks.
“This Springbok juggernaut is just another level of machine at the minute, the way they play the game, the power, just how uncompromising they are, the set-pieces – it’s going to be a huge challenge for Wales.
“I’ve been there in teams where you’ve lost quite a few games on the bounce, but when the best teams in the world rock up, you’ve got to come up to another level, not just to have any chance of winning but I think, at the minute, just to compete on the weekend,” he added.
From a place of care
Having had a back-and-forth with Gatland after some of his comments already, Roberts underlined that his words come from a good place.
“When I speak about this, I come from a place of care. We all care very deeply, ex-players have worn that jersey previously and seeing the tough times these young players are going through, it’s challenging.”
While Wales are keen to bounce back, the Springboks are looking to complete a clean sweep in the autumn after wins over Scotland and England.
READ MORE: Jean Kleyn: ‘Eben Etzebeth is by far the most dominant tighthead lock in the game’
