Wales: Hooker Dewi Lake backs tourists to ‘create history’ and win series against South Africa 2-1

Wales hooker Dewi Lake has backed his team to recover and win the series against South Africa, despite going down in the first Test in Pretoria.

Lake was a try-scorer as the Welsh suffered a 32-29 first Test defeat at Loftus Versfeld, this after they went into the break holding an 18-3 cushion.

And it is those flashes of form against the world champion Springboks that has encouraged Lake that Wales can grab series glory in South Africa.

Chance to create history

“We will have the bit between our teeth going into the next Test, and we’ll back ourselves to do it,” he told the Welsh Rugby Union official website.

“We’ve still got a chance to create history. We’re only one down, and can still win it 2-1. It is not a case of it’s done for us and we’re out of it.

“The suggestion throughout the week was that we had no chance at all, but we have proved that one to be wrong already.

“We back ourselves to come out and do a job, and over the next two weeks it is up to us to do that. Bring on the next two weeks.

“We spoke about the toll it will take on us as a squad, both mentally and physically, for the past couple of weeks, but until you are actually in it you don’t get any feeling for it.”

Next up for Wales is a game in Bloemfontein as they look to make it 1-1 at the first attempt, with discipline one area the tourists are keen to improve.

“When you are playing the best team in the world you can’t give away 15-17 penalties and four yellow cards because you just aren’t going to beat them,” Lake added.

“We have shown we are here to play. We are here to put up a fight, and we are here to win games. I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks.”

Tomas Francis to fly home

In other news, tighthead prop Tomas Francis has been ruled out of Wales’ remaining games in the series against South Africa after suffering concussion.

The front-row was carried off after taking a blow to his head on Saturday and will now return home on Tuesday, the Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed.

“Tomas Francis will play no further part in the Wales tour in South Africa following the concussion he sustained in the first Test match against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld,” read a statement.

“The WRU medical team have withdrawn Francis from the remainder of the series to allow him to optimise his recovery. He will return home to Wales tomorrow.

“Dillon Lewis, Sam Wainwright and Harri O’Connor are the remaining tighthead props in the squad.”

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