PDV's Bok column ahead of Wales

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has posted his latest column on the SA Rugby website. Here it is:

There has been a lot of "war" talk from both camps ahead of Saturday's test against Wales in Cardiff. There is nothing wrong with that because it is good for the game, important to the hype, and creates great excitement for the fans. However, as this variety of sideshows play themselves out, the measure of success will come down to which team puts their week of preparations to best use over 80 minutes on Saturday.

I am satisfied with how we have prepared. The guys have acclimatized quickly, the intensity has been impressive, the work ethic high and the attention to detail spot on. As a coaching staff we have put in the long hours, both in Cape Town before our departure and here in Cardiff, to make sure the team delivers in the manner we expect at the weekend.

John Smit will take the re! ins at the Captain's Run on Friday after which the tense countdown begins to Saturday's game. We are looking forward to it

The city of Cardiff is buzzing with excitement ahead of the game and there is an air of expectation for their team to do well. I am sure there is a similar expectation amongst our fans back home and we aim not to disappoint you.

The Welsh will certainly be better than they were in the two tests in South Africa earlier this year. They have some of their star players back as well as the benefit of home ground advantage and a passionate and very partisan home crowd.

This presents us with a major challenge but it is one that I am confident we can meet to ensure that we get this very important tour off on the right note. We have a squad of players that oozes talent, is in good physical shape and is brimming with confidence ahead of the game.

The significance of these three tests cannot be under-estimated as they w! ill have an important bearing on preparations for the British ! and Iris h Lions' visit to our shores next year.

But the immediate challenge is the Welsh Dragons, which is where our attention is focused 100% at the moment.