Wales have finally received a sliver of good news ahead of Saturday’s Test against the Springboks in Cardiff, with star back-rower Aaron Wainwright declared fit to play.

The Dragons are set to name a vastly changed, inexperienced side for the clash, with 13 frontline players unavailable due to the fixture falling outside World Rugby’s official Test window. It leaves Steve Tandy preparing for a brutal mismatch in both experience and physicality against the world champions – but Wainwright’s recovery offers rare relief.

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The dynamic No 8 was ruled out of last week’s loss to the All Blacks with a hip problem, but Wales attack coach Matt Sherratt confirmed on Tuesday that he’s ready to go.

“He’s back training this week so he’s in contention to play,” said Sherratt.

With Tandy forced into major selection compromises, Wainwright’s presence is crucial against a Springbok pack that has dominated all year.

“I don’t think the pressure’s ever off in international rugby and you’re playing the world champions at home,” Sherratt added. “We’re desperate to put a performance on the field and back the players we’ve got available to us.

“We saw some improvements in our transitional game and our kick and return game against the All Blacks, and this week against a team who are very good at it, we’ll try to improve again.”

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Wales have also moved their team announcement forward by 24 hours, though Sherratt insisted there was “no hidden agenda” behind the shift.

The Springboks will name their matchday squad on Thursday.

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