I’ve heard a few tentative theories being put forward about a possible upset being on the cards when the Boks take on Wales. The theorists have pointed out that 11 players are missing (soon to become 12 with Fourie du Preez looking certain to drop out) and suggested that the Boks won’t get up for the match after the highs of France.

Theories don’t always have to be good theories.  The Boks will win in Wales and end the year as World Champions ranked number 1 in the IRB rankings. There’s no other way for the Springbok coach to ride off into the sunset. Jake White’s script writers decided that a long time ago! 

If you weren’t convinced that this Wales team is one in serious trouble when they lost to Fiji in Nantes then you only had to tune into the Heineken Cup this weekend to see further evidence.  There is a lot of work ahead for Warren Gatland when he takes over in December.  Gatland is one of the best coaches around and I expect big things from him, but that is a whole new book never mind another chapter.

Brian Moore summed up what’s wrong with Wales in his column for the Telegraph.  If you are going to have a theory make it a good one.

The Springboks quite simply can’t lose to a team ranked 10 in the world that are taking them on with a caretaker coach and a host of new players.  Strange things happen in rugby, but this won’t be one of them.

The Boks travelled to the UK as Tri-Nations champions in 2004 looking to do the Grand Slam.  A disasterous trip saw them stumble against Wales and fall against Ireland.  England kicked the Tri-Nations champs while they were down before they bounced back against Scotland. 

The difference with that tour was that Jake White was trying to milk a few decent performances out of a tired and battered squad.  When he finally put Bryan Habana on against England he scored with his first touch of the ball.  Young players and players outside the first XV were hungry and eager to prove themselves - they never got the chance to show it as Barry, Joubert and van Niekerk, amongst others, turned in some tired performances. 

That’s why losing the likes of Skinstad, Montgomery, du Randt, du Preez, Matfield, Rossouw and James won’t derail the Springboks in Cardiff.  Having all those players would probably have made the Boks a litte jaded.  I say probably because if the first choice XV toured and were in the mood they could have put 50 past this Wales team.  The new caps and youngsters will fire up this Springboks.  Having the pressure of the World Cup lifted from their shoulders will enable them to play a more expansive game.

Ruan Pienaar has been chomping at the bit as have the likes of Januarie, Pretorius and Muller who all got splinters during the World Cup.  Jannie du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski and Heinke van der Merwe are young guns waiting for their chance to shine.

There is also plenty of experience left in the team.  Enough to guide them past a Wales effort sure to be fuelled on Welsh singing rather than genuine class and form running through their team.

Of course when you have an opinion like this you can always look foolish.  Just ask Chris Rattue who must have regretted these words ahead of the World Cup quarters.

I’ll take my chances and we’ll chat about this again on Monday.