Warren Gatland still believes New Zealand are the best team in the world and is happy for Wales to stay in their shadow until the next World Cup.
Ireland have challenged the order at the very top of the global game with their stunning victory over the All Blacks last week, although they are still officially ranked No.2, with Wales in third.
But whilst the Irish have an army of fans and other admirers ready to claim they are already the best, Gatland is happy for his own team – who face fifth-ranked South Africa on Saturday – to remain un-noticed and even unloved in some quarters in the countdown to next year’s tournament in Japan.
Wales will aim for an autumn clean sweep and their ninth straight win in total against the Springboks and they have now occupied the No.3 spot for six months with Boks coach Rassie Erasmus having described Gatland’s side as the “silent assassins” of the world game.
“Hopefully we can stay there for another six months,” said Gatland.
“I don’t really care if we are getting enough credit. We’re not worried at all what anyone else is saying about us.
“We are pretty confident we can have a good next 12 months. Over the last few years the gap between the southern hemisphere and the north has definitely closed.”
Pressed on Erasmus’ “silent assassins” comment, Gatland added: “That’s what they used to say about the Irish, wasn’t it? We’re just trying to keep our heads down and if we keep going under the radar that will be good.
“I look at the criticism of New Zealand aghast. They are still the best team in the world.”
South Africa have lost their last three games to Wales, but Erasmus has named an unchanged side.
Captain Siya Kolisi starts after escaping sanction for his backward head-butt on Peter Horne in the victory over Scotland and Erasmus says: “Wales have a formidable squad and their current run of eight unbeaten Tests is proof and also an indication of their good form at the moment.
“We know Saturday’s Test is going to be our most difficult match of the tour. Wales defeated us in Washington in June. They are a well-balanced and strong side with a great home record so our boys will be in for a massive contest on Saturday.”
Gatland has thrown down the gauntlet to Gareth Anscombe after giving him the nod in the crucial playmaker position.
The Springboks represent a chance for a first Welsh autumnal clean sweep, but it is Anscombe who will start Saturday’s game at fly-half, edging out Dan Biggar for the coveted No. 10 jersey.
Liam Williams starts at full-back in place of the concussed Leigh Halfpenny in the only change from the Wales side which ended a 10-year wait to beat the Wallabies.
New Zealand-born Anscombe will kick goals in Halfpenny’s absence and Gatland said: “It is about trying to give Gareth some confidence and self belief. He made a big decision to leave New Zealand and come to Wales and it has taken him a bit of time for him to settle in and to earn respect.
“He is starting to show some real maturity, we have been really pleased with him, and we have decided to give him a run of games. We could easily have picked Dan and we have been really happy with Rhys Patchell’s contribution. We could easily pick any of those three players.
“Goal-kicking is a massively important aspect of the game. We spoke as coaches when we selected this side that this is a big game and there will be pressure on Gareth in terms of the goal kicking.
“He has been kicking well this year, but we all know it is more difficult under pressure in a big game.
“That is part of picking him. We know our two goal-kickers (Halfpenny and Biggar) are absolutely world class, but we want to find out pretty early whether Gareth can kick the goals he should in a big match and when it really matters. That is important.”
Wales: L Williams; North, J Davies, Parkes, Adams; Anscombe, G Davies; Smith, Owens, Francis, Beard, Jones (capt), Lydiate, Tipuric, Moriarty
Replacements: Dee, Evans, Lewis, Hill, Jenkins, T Williams, Biggar, Watkin
South Africa: Le Roux; Nkosi, Kriel, De Allende, Dyantyi; Pollard, Papier; Kitshoff, Marx, Malherbe, Snyman, Mostert, Kolisi (capt), P Du Toit, Vermeulen
Replacements: Mbonambi, T Du Toit, Koch, Etzebeth, Louw, Van Zyl, Jantjies, Kolbe
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
