Wales avoiding Bloem? Boks see nothing strange about delayed travel: 'We do it too at times'

Some might mischievously speculate it's because Bloemfontein is too sleepy, pragmatists will argue many teams have travelled to match-day locations less than 24 hours before kick-off.

Either way, the Springboks read nothing into Wales' decision to stay in Johannesburg until at least early Friday afternoon before making the 400km trip to the City of Roses for Saturday's second Test at the Free State Stadium.

It's in stark contrast to the hosts, who've been here since Sunday.

"We obviously can't be sure of what Wales' thinking is, but we do the same sometimes," said Bok mentor Jacques Nienaber.

"You'll find teams do this when they find they're in a nice environment. Joburg is a great training venue. They're staying in Fourways, so they're comfortable and settled. I'm pretty sure some of their United Rugby Championship clubs stayed there too, so there's a sort of familiarity. 

"But I'm not sure. I just think what might be the reason if I were in their shoes." 

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For the Springboks, Bloemfontein's high altitude is still very much suitable to their training needs.

"If you look at our preparation, we also prefer doing so at altitude. We believe from a physical point of view it gives us a bit of a benefit," said Nienaber.

"We do that when we can even if we're not playing in South Africa. Bloemfontein is a venue we've used a few times before too for that very reason. Logistically, it also makes sense for us."

Regardless, the hosts aren't going to preoccupy themselves with what different settings could mean to the fortunes of the two foes.

It's going to be a tough battle either way.

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel,