Springboks captain Pieter-Steph du Toit says his team will be seen as underdogs for Saturday’s game against Wales in Washington DC.
It’s the first time South Africa have played in the United States US in 18 years and new coach Rassie Erasmus has named seven uncapped players in his starting line-up.
The Springboks squad underwent their final preparations on Friday before they kick off their summer tour against Wales in the U.S. Capitol.
After two defeats in Cardiff in the last two years, South Africa will be hoping to avoid a hat-trick of losses against the Welsh.
But with several big-name players left back home, the team will have an unfamiliar feel.
Seven uncapped players will start the game with six more on the bench and this weekend marks a big opportunity for some players to make an impression.
Around 20 000 fans are expected to attend the game, fewer than the American organisers had hoped for.
Du Toit will captain the Springboks admits his side might be seen as underdogs.
“We are at the moment a lot of youngsters and a lot of guys are getting their start this weekend so of course some people will be undermining us for this game. But I think like our game plan is planned out we’ll definitely have a few surprises.”
The squad arrived in Washington on Thursday after a long 18hr flight from South Africa, du Toit says tiredness isn’t a concern.
