Warren Gatland’s men have had a superb, unbeaten campaign so far and five wins from five games has set-up a last-four clash with the Springboks which will take place in Yokohama.
Victories over Georgia, Australia, Fiji, Uruguay and France have taken Wales to within 80 minutes of the final. Now it’s the Springboks who are standing in their way.
“You get these opportunities once in a lifetime. You’ve got to grab them with both hands,” said Gatland after Wales arrived in Tokyo on Monday.
“It’s about having no regrets and that’s the message to the players for this week. I have two games left and I might never be involved in international rugby again. That’s a lot of motivation.
“For a lot of players this will be their last World Cup. They are extremely motivated to make the most of the opportunity too and hopefully we will produce a performance on Sunday.
“We have had a lot of success against South Africa.
“We’ve got to be excited about where we are and having a chance to be in the World Cup final.”
Ahead of meeting South Africa, Wales have seen flanker Josh Navidi ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a grade two hamstring tear suffered in the first-half against France. His Cardiff Blues teammate, wing Owen Lane, has arrived in Tokyo as his replacement.
Ross Moriarty’s crucial try helped Wales down a 14-man Les Bleus outfit after their lock Sebastien Vahaamahina was sent off for elbowing flanker Aaron Wainwright.
Wales have won their last four meetings with South Africa dating back to 2015.
That year it was the Springboks who came out on top in their crunch World Cup quarter-final.
Rassie Erasmus’ current crop of South Africans are a formidable side.
“There are a few sore bodies, but everyone is ready to go. It will be a light and recovery session on Tuesday and then our big training day will be on Wednesday,” said Gatland.
“It’s disappointing for Josh. Hopefully we will keep him out here. Since he’s gone so far in the tournament it will be nice for him to stay out here for the next couple of weeks.
“He’s been very influential and important for us in the last year, but in saying that these games are so physical and to have only one player ruled out at this stage is a real positive for us.”
Gatland revealed he is hopeful centres Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies will be fit to face South Africa. Davies was a late withdrawal from the France game after aggravating a knee problem.
“South Africa won the Rugby Championship and had a very good performance against the All Blacks in the draw. Even though the All Blacks started the World Cup pool game well, South Africa came back into it and it was a tight contest,” Gatland said.
“We know it will be a tough game, but we will be up for it and ready for the challenges that will be posed on Sunday.”
