VIDEO: Rassie grateful Cardiff roof will be closed for Springboks

The Springboks have been greeted by near-freezing weather conditions since arriving in Cardiff to begin preparations for this weekend’s season-ending clash against Wales.

Besides relentless rain, Rassie Erasmus also shared a video to social media on Tuesday that showed players arriving for a training session as light snow began to fall.

The good news for the Springboks, though, is the fact that Saturday’s clash at the Principality Stadium will be played underneath a closed roof – which will ensure ideal conditions for Erasmus’ charges to continue their attacking evolution.

The weather forecast for Saturday actually indicates that temperatures will rise to about 14°C, but heavy rain and wind is predicted, and so it’s no surprise that Erasmus is especially grateful that an enclosed stadium awaits the Springboks in Cardiff.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO RASSIE POSTED BELOW AS THINGS GOT CHILLY FOR THE SPRINGBOKS:

So happy the roof will be closed on Saturday 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/O64ZlCJfej

— Johan Erasmus (@RassieRugby) November 19, 2024

pic.twitter.com/WLxg73CvoU

— Springboks (@Springboks) November 18, 2024

Erasmus expected a challenging clash against Wales despite the hosts going into the match on a disappointing run of 11 defeats in a row, and said his charges had to be ready mentally and physically to face a team determined to show that they can turn things around.

“Wales are a proud nation with a world-renowned coach in Warren Gatland, and they’ll do everything to finish their campaign on a high note,” said Erasmus.

“We’ve experienced first-hand how a run of defeats can galvanise a team, and the fact that they’ll be playing at home with a passionate crowd behind them will inspire them even more – just as our supporters inspire us when we play at home.

“Obviously we’d love to finish the tour unbeaten, but we are well aware of the fact that we’ve have a few close results against them over the years at the Principality Stadium.”

Erasmus said there were plenty of examples of teams reversing their fortunes from the status of underdogs.

“A lot can change in rugby with a change in confidence and mindset, and Australia is a perfect example of how things can change in the sport if one considers how well they are playing now compared to last year,” said Erasmus.

“So, we’ll show Wales the same respect we showed England and Scotland, and we know we know we have to be at our best to come out with the result we want.

“They are a team with everything to gain and nothing to lose, so it would be careless of us to think that we just need to pitch up and the result will go in our favour. In fact, a little over a year ago, they played in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final, which is a testament to the force they can be.”