By Kasey Rees
Dan Biggar is ready to wipe the slate clean against South Africa as Wales prepare for their first summer Test versus the world champions on Saturday.
After a disappointing end to their Six Nations campaign with the defeat to Italy, Wales are set to face the Springboks in a series of three Test matches this month.
Wales last visited South Africa in 2014, losing both of their respective matches with a narrow 31-30 defeat in the second Test.
Now, Biggar – who has retained his country’s captaincy – is putting the Six Nations disappointment behind him as he looks towards the challenge ahead.
The Wales fly-half has faced the Springboks on 12 previous occasions – with an imkpressive five wins to his credit – and knows what to expect on Saturday.
“It’s exciting,” said Biggar.
“I would be lying if I said there were no nerves as well. For me it’s good to have nerves, we know the challenge that lies ahead.
“It’s probably up there with one of the biggest challenges in world rugby, playing the world champions, the number one ranked team, in their own back yard in front of 50,000 Springboks supporters.
Siya Kolisi talks about fellow captain Dan Biggar ahead of tomorrow’s first Test pic.twitter.com/5X9PixHIZZ
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) July 1, 2022
“It is as tough as its gets, but I think what the squad has done off the back of a disappointing end to the Six Nations is we’ve really come together and said it is almost like a fresh start, a clean slate.
“We need to go out there with a bit of freedom and really express ourselves, because if we listen to what is being reported, everything in the media, fans, pundits and everyone then we may as well not turn up and have a three week holiday here.
“So, from our point of view, it will show a character about us on Saturday and I hope that can shine through.”
Wayne Pivac has as made eight changes to the side that was defeated by Italy, with George North and Dan Lydiate returning to international action after lengthy spells out with knee injuries.
The head coach has gone with a mixture of experienced and inexperienced players, with four uncapped players in the squad. Replacement Cardiff back row James Ratti and Leicester Tigers’ starter Tommy Reffell are set to earn their first caps.
Harri O’Connor provides cover for Tomos Francis at prop, while Kieran Hardy is named as scrum half with Biggar at fly half.
Ryan Elias is joined in the front by Gareth Thomas, with Will Rowlands and Adam Beard set to partner together for the sixth time at second row.
Cast your mind back to the last World Cup when Wales almost took @Springboks to extra-time. Only 3 of the starting XV in Yokohama will line up in Pretoria: Dan Biggar, Josh Adams, George North. The rest are either injured, retired, dropped or on the bench.
— Peter Jackson (@JackoRugby) June 30, 2022
The back line includes full back Liam Williams, plus Louis Rees Zammit and Josh Adams on the wings. Alun Wyn Jones returns to the fold on the bench.
Wales have never won on South African soil, losing all 10 test matches to date, but Pivac hopes to change that as he aims to upset the World Cup winners of three years ago.
He said: “I think everyone knows what we are coming into. You’ve got this rich history and a lot of playing at altitude.
“It’s a massive challenge with the world champions in their own back yard and two Tests at altitude. It’s going to be a good test for us and it will show exactly where we are.
“They are going to expose some weaknesses I’m sure and it will give us a lot of things to work on moving forward.
“We have got to be ready for everything , we have got to be ready for them moving some ball. But no matter what they present us with we have got to be defensively on our game.
“We have got to be disciplined and we have got to be very, very physical.”
Tommy Reffell in camp with @WelshRugbyUnion in South Africa ahead of his Test debut this weekend against the Springboks.#TigersOnTour 🇿🇦
📷 | Huw Evans Agency pic.twitter.com/0UhHlhpmf3
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) July 1, 2022
The Wales team are aiming to put on a winning display to honour the memory of Wales legend Phil Bennett after his death on the 12th June.
Pivac added: “He has been a legend of the game, respected worldwide. It’s just very sad for his family and for all Welsh fans to see Phil pass.
“We will be doing our best to put on a great performance in memory of Phil and the fans back home.”
Wales players will wear black armbands when they take the field tomorrow evening in honour of Bennett and captain Biggar hopes for his side to put on a great display.
Biggar added: “It’s up to us to put in a performance to honour Phil, he is true great and we pass condolences on from the squad on to his family.
“We are hoping that with the performance, we can put a bit of pride back for him as well.”