Warren Gatland’s side will go unbeaten through the Under Armour Series for the first time if they can inflict a fourth successive defeat on South Africa.
The Boks bounced back from their controversial one-point defeat against England at Twickenham by toppling Scotland and France in their last two fixtures. And Lydiate is fully focused on the challenge Rassie Erasmus’ reinvigorated side will bring tomorrow.
“We haven’t really talked about the winning run, we take each game as it comes. Obviously it’s our last game of the autumn and we want to finish on a high.
“It’s been good up to now but you want to win every game you’re playing. It’d be massive if we could do it, but we haven’t talked about the clean-sweep.
“They’ve had a new coach come in and has really given them what looks like a new lease of life, they’re enjoying their rugby and they seem definitely back into form as one of the top nations.
“It’s a good atmosphere, winning the last three games. Going into the last game everyone’s in good spirits, but we’re under no illusions how hard it’ll be on the weekend. In recent games we’ve had good wins against South Africa but they’re a different outfit these days.”
Wales head into the South Africa clash on the back on nine consecutive victories – a winning run which is already the longest of the Gatland’s 11 year reign as head coach.
Wales’ new found strength and depth has come to the fore during their hot streak. They earned victories over Argentina and South Africa this summer without the players who starred for the British & Irish Lions in 2017, before masterminding a first win over Australia for a decade without the likes of the injured Taulupe Faletau, Samson Lee, Aaron Shingler and Scott Williams.
“It’s probably the most competition there’s been and obviously there are boys out injured who will come back into the squad come the Six Nations,” added Lydiate.
“We’re in a good place going forward and the coaches will be happy with the strength in depth.
There were some strong performances last week but Gats has kept the same squad together from the Australia game so we’ve got to make sure we go out there and perform.”
