It’s no surprise to Welsh Rugby fans that our brilliant home team have made it to the Quarter Finals of the Rugby World Cup 2015. We’ve played some great games so far, thanks in no small part perhaps to the loyal fans who’ve travelled the country in support of their team…. it must be great to have such a cheerful (and loud!) troop of fans to encourage you when you’re on the pitch and playing hard.

We’ve had some tough games so far in this Rugby World Cup….and Wales’ next game is no exception. We meet the Republic of South Africa at Twickenham this Saturday at 4pm. RSA are a formidable team, and very difficult to beat. In fact, Wales have played South Africa 30 times, and have lost a whopping 27 of them. We’ve won two games and drawn one. South Africa have scored a total of a whopping 101 tries against, Wales, to our 36 against South Africa.

The Republic of South Africa rugby team are more commonly known as their nickname The Springboks. The team first played international rugby in 1891 when they played a match against a touring international team from Britain. And since then, the Springboks have gone from strength to strength. They didn’t compete in a Rugby World Cup until 1995 when the newly democratic South Africa  hosted the tournament. In an “edge of seat” final, the Springboks defeated giants The All Blacks to take home the trophy. It was an incredible triumph for a nation still healing from the wounds of apartheid. They were world champions again in 2007.

So, we’ve a lot to prove. And a lot to lose… If we aren’t successful in beating the Republic of South Africa on Saturday then we’ll be out of the competition. As for the other home nations, well, host country England haven’t fared so well – they were knocked out at group stage. Ireland are due to play Argentina on Sunday, and Scotland have another tough match against Wales’ group competitors Australia too. Although it is worth remembering, that as of the world rankings on the 12th October 2015, Wales are ranked in 5th, just above South Africa who are 6th. So we may have a fighting chance!

So, let’s get our Welsh flags waving and our best singing voices on….. Republic of South Africa, we’re coming to get you!!

Watch South Africa vs Wales at the Oakeley Arms; Saturday 17th October Kick Off 4pm.

See you there!