Transformed Wales eye stunning series victory in South Africa

Wales hope to complete a stunning transformation from the laughing stock of rugby to conquerors of world champions South Africa by winning the series-deciding third Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

Four months ago in Cardiff, Wales hit rock bottom in the final round of the Six Nations as they conceded a late try and lost at home to perennial strugglers Italy.

Champions the previous season, Wales finished second last in the standings after also losing to Ireland, England and France.

The Springboks, winners of the 2019 Rugby World Cup and a series against the British & and Irish Lions two years later, became overwhelming favourites to win all three Tests against the visiting Welsh in July.

TV analyst Joel Stransky, kicker of the drop goal that won the 1995 World Cup final against New Zealand, summed up the mood in the republic as he wrote off Wales.

"It is not that I disrespect Wales, but I cannot see them being a formidable challenge for the Springbok side," he told the Sunday Times.

"Wales struggled in the Six Nations. They lost to Italy. We are No 1 in the world with good reason. If ever there was a chance to blood new talent it is now."

The tourists had other ideas, though, and after a last-gasp 32-29 first Test defeat in Pretoria, they won 13-12 in Bloemfontein last weekend to create the chance of a first series triumph in South Africa.

There has been drama galore with Damian Willemse kicking an added-time penalty to win the first Test and Gareth Anscombe slotting a 79th-minute touchline conversion to snatch victory in the second.

The reactions of rival coaches Jacques Nienaber and New Zealand-born Wayne Pivac have been starkly different when it comes to selections.

READ | Springboks heavy favourites to beat Wales in final Test -