Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ben James

What time is Wales v South Africa kick-off and what TV channel is it on?

Wales will be looking to bounce back from late heartache last time out to secure a first win on South African soil as they head to Bloemfontein for the second of three Tests against the Springboks.

The world champions came back from 18-3 down to win a dramatic Test with the final kick of the game in Pretoria, leaving Wayne Pivac's side to wonder what might have been. However, with the second Test in Bloemfontein almost upon us, there's not a lot of time to dwell on things with Wales' performance last weekend only fuelling their belief that they've a shot at winning the Test series.

Here are all the details you need to know ahead of Wales' second summer international against South Africa:

Read next: Wales hold talks with World Rugby after being left bemused by Louis Rees-Zammit injustice

What time is Wales v South Africa kick-off?

South Africa v Wales kicks off at 4.05pm UK time/5.05pm local time on Saturday, July 9, at at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein .

What TV channel is Wales v South Africa on and is it free?

For UK viewers, South Africa v Wales is being broadcast live behind a paywall on Sky Sports Action, with coverage beginning at 3.30pm. The latest Sky Sports offers can be viewed here. However, extended highlights will be available on free-to-air channel S4C from 9pm with English subtitles also available.

You can also follow live Wales v South Africa match updates here from Saturday afternoon.

What's the team news?

South Africa: 15. Warrick Gelant, 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13. Jesse Kriel, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 11. Aphelele Fassi, 10. Handre Pollard (capt), 9. Jaden Hendrikse, 1. Thomas du Toit, 2. Joseph Dweba, 3. Trevor Nyakane, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Marvin Orie, 6. Marcell Coetzee, 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8. Evan Roos.

Replacements: 16. Malcolm Marx, 17. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18. Vincent Koch, 19. Ruan Nortje, 20. Rynhardt Elstadt, 21. Deon Fourie, 22. Grant Williams, 23. Damian Willemse.

Wales: 15. Liam Williams, 14. Louis Rees-Zammit, 13. George North, 12. Nick Tompkins, 11. Alex Cuthbert, 10. Dan Biggar (capt), 9. Kieran Hardy, 1. Gareth Thomas, 2. Ryan Elias, 3. Dillon Lewis, 4. Will Rowlands, 5. Adam Beard, 6. Dan Lydiate, 7. Tommy Reffell, 8. Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: 16. Dewi Lake, 17. Wyn Jones, 18. Sam Wainwright, 19. Alun Wyn Jones, 20. Josh Navidi, 21. Tomos Williams, 22. Gareth Anscombe, 23. Josh Adams.

What have the coaches said?

Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber: “Wales will certainly gain confidence from their performance last week, and I have no doubt they will feel aggrieved by the fact that they lost out so narrowly, so we know we have to produce a top-class performance to win this weekend. The set pieces are going to be a key area once again, and we have identified the areas that we need to improve on and have already started working on those facets of the game.

“They are a team that keeps going until the final whistle, so we expect them to push us to the limit, but we know what our standards are as a team, and every player knows what is expected of him. It is definitely going to take a full 80-minute effort to win the match, and if we do well, hopefully the result will take of itself.”

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac: "Alex Cuthbert has been training really well. He’s 6ft 4ins, good in the air and runs all day. I think there will be plenty of aerial battles.

"Sam Wainwright has been very excited to join us. From day one he’s been training really well. I know he’s over the moon at his selection in the matchday 23 and his family are over here so he’s looking forward to a big day. It was a great atmosphere last week and we’re expecting more of the same from the crowd in Bloemfontein this Saturday.

"[South Africa's team selection] hasn’t changed our preparation at all. It’s going to be 15 rugby players in green shirts. We’re expecting more of the same. They are a very experienced team no matter what combinations they put out. This side is one to be respected and not taken lightly."

Read next:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.