South Africa's team selection devalues the Wales Test series, no matter how good their understudies are

Two things can be true. You can appreciate the quality in the South Africa side that has been named for the second Test this weekend while concluding that it completely devalues the series.

Head coach Jacques Nienaber has made 14 changes to the starting XV that won 32-29 in one of the liveliest Test matches in recent times last weekend. In completely tearing up his squad for the second Test in Bloemfontein, he has ripped almost 200 Test caps out of the side.

Inspirational leader Siya Kolisi? Nowhere to be seen. Cheslin Kolbe? Sitting in the stands. World class front row of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Frans Malherbe? With their feet up. It is a crying shame.

Is it a side capable of beating Wales? Absolutely. Is it South Africa's best XV? No. Let's clear that up before we continue.

From South Africa's point of view, you can see the value in it. One thing that is abundantly clear when you spend a bit of time questioning their management is that when they have a plan - be it style of play or team selection - they will stick to it steadfastly. This is clearly a selection with one eye on next year's Rugby World Cup.

The general sense among Bok fans is that it is an exciting group of form players. Seven of the 23 featured in the URC final and the captain, Handre Pollard, just won the Top 14 with Montpellier. There is also Evan Roos, who cleaned up at the URC's end of season awards, and former World Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit. Kurt-Lee Arendse, one of six debutants, can beat you in a phone box.

Again, though, two things can be true at the same time. Nienaber has named a very formidable side that is absolutely capable of beating Wales but it is tantamount to an 'A' team. Wales did not come here to face second string