5 talking points before Wales meet South Africa in World Cup semi-final

Wales and South Africa will go head to head for a place in the World Cup final.

Published Oct 25, 2019

Wales will face World Cup semi-final opponents South Africa in Yokohama on Sunday.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the talking points heading into the game.

How much will star players Liam Williams and Cheslin Kolbe be missed?

Liam Williams' absence from the match was confirmed on Friday — Liam Williams’ absence from the match was confirmed on Friday (David Davies/PA)

The form guide suggests a Wales win

When it comes to recent history between the countries, Wales hold a clear upper hand. They have beaten South Africa five times from the last six attempts, including four successive victories. The Springboks, though, are unquestionably stronger now than at any time during that losing run, and Wales know they have got it all to do in their quest for a first World Cup final appearance.

How will Jonathan Davies perform?

Jonathan Davies during a training session in Tokyo (David Davies/PA)

Will Wales cope with South Africa’s renowned physical power?

Rugby World Cup - Dan Biggar v Handre Pollard — Rugby World Cup – Dan Biggar v Handre Pollard (PA Graphics)

What would it mean for Wales to reach a Rugby World Cup final?

Everything. They have never done it before, losing semi-finals in 1987 and 2011, and it would underline just how far head coach Warren Gatland has taken them during his 12-year coaching reign. When Gatland arrived in late 2007, Wales were ranked a lowly 10th in the world, but since then they have landed four Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams, briefly been the world’s number one team and are now through to a second World Cup semi-final of the Gatland era. This could be their time.