SOUTH African pride is at stake and Wales will face a huge task when they take on the Springboks at Loftus Versveld on Saturday.

That is the warning from Andy Marinos, last season's Newport Gwent Dragons captain now chief executive of the region, who has a foot in both camps.

He played a great deal of his rugby in South Africa before moving to Wales four years ago and winning seven caps for his adopted country, including two back in his home land on tour two years ago.

The recently retired former Newport and Dragons player, now totally immersed in his new role with the region, predicts a tough battle for Wales up front.

He has spoken with Dragons player Percy Montgomery who says the Springboks are now playing with the kind of spirit the Dragons have.

But Marinos still believes Wales have the game breakers behind who are capable of pulling off a shock.

"It's going to be a huge call for Wales. They've had nine months of rugby, it's been an extraordinary year, with the World Cup as well, and there's sure to be mental fatigue.

"There is a huge amount of pride at stake, it's what white South Africa has been built on for years, the pride of their rugby team.

"They've been humiliated in the World Cup and other games, but the game is being played up in the Transvaal (Pretoria) which is the heart of their rugby where they are big, hard men.

"They have got good momentum going out of the Ireland Tests and they are building for the Tri Nations, so it's important they get everything right.

"They are fortunate having Monty and Jaco van der Westhuyzen who have played over here, which gives them more insight into Wales.

"Monty has been in sublime form here and he's taken it out to South Africa. I've spoken to some of the guys and they say there is huge spirit there and will to win. Monty says it's the same feeling as with the Dragons with everyone wanting to play for one another.

"They are paying Wales every respect, they know they did well against New Zealand and England in the World Cup and have just beaten Argentina.

"Wales have got to front up, but they have got the game breakers to do it.

"South Africa got exposed behind against Ireland, so they will have to be sharp and it's going to be a hell of a battle.

"Wales have come a long way and if they have that self belief they can beat them. It's going to be a big mountain to climb, but they can do it."

Former Newport No 8 Alix Popham is set to replace back injury victim Michael Owen in the one definite Wales change.

Wales (probable): Henson, Luscombe, Parker, Shanklin, Williams (S), Robinson, Peel, Jones (Duncan), Bennett, Jones (A), Cockbain, Llewellyn, Jones (Dafydd), Charvis, Popham.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Argus, Newport Gwent Dragons have denied signing up Australian rugby league coach Chris Anderson as their new chief coach.

Marinos confirmed they had interviewed Anderson in Newport but said he had not been offered the post and that the Dragons were "continuing the interview process."

"We are no closer to completing a deal to sign anyone," said Marinos.