I found myself thinking of Shaun Edwards during the last couple of minutes of the First Test against South Africa. Wales' impregnable defence suddenly looked porous. Had the Springboks managed to cross for one more try and reached the landmark 50 points the flame that burns within the Englishman's soul may have exploded. Each try came as a wounding blow to the proud coach as he looked on helplessly.
Viewers can see highlights of the second test on Saturday 14 June with presenter Eleri Siôn at the helm and Gwyn Jones and Wyn Gruffydd providing expert analysis as part of the commentary team.
The tour will provide a huge challenge for the Welsh squad – not only will they be challenging the World Champions, the games will be played over 5,000 feet above sea level, in Bloemfontein and Pretoria.
Eleri Siôn says, "Only France and the All Blacks have won in Pretoria and Bloemfontein, but if Wales want to beat the Springboks, this is the year to do it. It's all change in South Africa at the moment, with their new coach and the Southern Hemisphere teams experimenting with new rules, so this is a golden opportunity for us."
"There's no better time to beat the 'Boks!" adds commentator Wyn Gruffydd. "Wales' goal is to win the test matches as they've yet to beat the Springboks on home turf. Expectations will be extremely high among the Welsh rugby following back home after capturing the Grand Slam back in the spring" he says.
It's now ten years since Wales' embarrassing defeat to South Africa, 96-13, the highest number of points ever to be scored against a Welsh team. Does Wyn think that the bad memories will return as Wales prepares for the 2008 tests?
"I think the recollections will inspire the squad even more. The only one with bitter memories of that day will be Stephen Jones who was brought on for the first time as a substitute during the match. But he is one of the most inspirational and experienced players in the squad and he can motivate the team to victory."
Although Wyn thinks Wales have a good chance of winning against South Africa, he believes they must win the first test in order to win them both.
"We'll have a good chance if we win the first test but if not, I'm afraid South Africa will win both" says Wyn, who also commentates on S4C's point-to-point series Rasus ar Garlam on Monday nights.
© 2008 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales