Wales ready for 'brutal' battle against Springboks

Wales are ready for another tough weekend in an attempt to end their mental anguish against the southern hemisphere superpowers.

Just a week after standing toe-to-toe with world champions New Zealand for almost 70 minutes of an encounter that was underpinned by brutal intensity, this afternoon sees Wales take on South Africa at the Millennium Stadium.

While the All Blacks' all-singing, all-dancing game has elevated them to unprecedented levels of brilliance, South Africa have remained among world rugby's heavyweight top three nations.

Twelve of the Wales team that started against New Zealand are back for more this weekend, and powerhouse centre Roberts has dusted himself down, ready to go again.

"It has taken about four or five days to recover. It was car-crash stuff at the weekend," he said.

"I take anti-inflammatory medication before most games now just to reduce the swelling in the knees and ankles, and so forth.

"It kind of numbs most things during the game, and when the effect wears off ... usually the day after the game you feel alright, but it's after that. Monday and Tuesday are pretty horrific.

"I think this weekend is all about mindset. The hard work is done, the boys are used to playing at that intensity now and the structures are in place," Roberts said.

Statistics are also hurting Wales at the moment - never more so than when it comes to beating South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

It has not happened since November 2008, when Australia lost 21-18 in Cardiff, and the overall picture under Wales head coach Warren Gatland is a bleak one against the so-called big three - played 27, lost 26.

While Wales are desperate to end their long run of defeats, the Springboks are hell-bent on finishing their year in victorious fashion.

"This is a very important game for us," Springboks centre and skipper De Villiers said.

"The success of the year will be determined by the result tomorrow, and also our preparation going into a World Cup will definitely take a backward step if we don't get a good result."

The final game of Wales' Autumn Internationals kicks off at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff at 2.30pm.