Springbok depth continues to wow Wales: 'SA has a very rich and deep pool of players'

The Springboks might be missing an array of experienced world-class players but praise for their rich depth continues to pour in from the opposition camp.

Bok head coach Jacques Nienaber is like the Willy Wonka to Wales counterpart Wayne Pivac's Charlie Bucket, who is looking in from the outside at the magical world of the Springbok talent factory.

That is, at least, the hyperbolic comparison of the two squads, who've each had to contend with player losses but the hosts have retained their fearsome outlook.

READ | Wales seek balanced approach to counter Bok muscle: 'We can't get caught playing Sevens'

Duane Vermeulen and Pieter-Steph du Toit are the key South African absentees, while Wales toured without Leigh Halfpenny, Johnny McNicholl, Ross Moriarty, Justin Tipuric and Aaron Wainwright.

The Boks were able to call on Gallagher Premiership winner Jasper Wiese and versatile monster truck Franco Mostert to partner Siya Kolisi in the back row, while adding Elrigh Louw and Kwagga Smith to the detonate the bomb squad.

For the first Test at Loftus on Saturday (17:05), Nienaber opted to go without his 2019 World Cup final flyhalf, Handre Pollard, in favour of understudy Elton Jantjies, a capable operator in his own right. Damian Willemse has also earned a small window into the No 15 jersey in Willie le Roux's place, who is on the six-two split bench.

"They are obviously class players and any side losing those class players will hurt," said Pivac.

"But South Africa has a very rich and deep pool of players. We've got a lot of respect for their squad, so no matter what combination goes out, we've got a job to do.

"We've got to make sure we are very good in the physical area of the game because we know what names are on the team sheet and