Springbok centres Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende are expecting a fast and intense midfield battle when South Africa face Japan in their opening November International at Wembley Stadium, London, on Saturday.

Both players have spent several years playing rugby in Japan, giving them firsthand knowledge of the team’s style. The four-time world champions last met Japan in the 2019 World Cup quarter-final in Tokyo, winning 26-3.

Kriel and De Allende stressed the importance of controlling the pace of the game. “Japanese rugby operates at a very high tempo, moving the ball quickly from ruck to ruck to exploit space,” they said. “Our job will be to slow their ball down and disrupt their rhythm over the full 80 minutes.”

The Springboks’ experience in Japan is expected to provide a strategic advantage, helping them anticipate the hosts’ high-speed style and gain an edge in the midfield clash.

–ChannelAfrica–