Wales vs South Africa has massive repercussions as an event as well as a spectacle, as Washington DC hopes to challenge Chicago as a destination for rugby fans from outside the USA.

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How this game sparks the interest of ex-pat fans is one of the keys, but there's also discussion about the fact that South Africa is not sending its very top side.

Some aren't happy about that, but comments from various quarters saying this is a third-string Springboks lineup is an old straw man that should be torn apart pretty quickly. First off, few would argue that any top-tier national team lacks the depth to put out a strong team even if a few players are injured or unavailable.

Rassie Erasmus has named 24 forwards to face Wales and England in four Tests next month. Well done to all the big guys who made the cut. #LoveRugby pic.twitter.com/UsRdCZHGh4

— South African Rugby (@Springboks) May 26, 2018

South Africa can do it, and Wales better not take this squad lightly or it could be looking down the barrel of a loss. Secondly, this was to be expected, as the DC test match is outside the June test window, and as such several professional clubs are rightly expecting some players to get that weekend off.

Regardless, South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has named his squad and his captains.

BREAKING! Siya Kolisi has been appointed to captain the Springboks in the Castle Lager Incoming Series against England next month, while Pieter-Steph du Toit will lead the side against Wales in Washington. Both men will captain the Springboks for the first time. #LoveRugby pic.twitter.com/rcy3jPgnbt

— South African Rugby (@Springboks) May 28, 2018

“It’s a huge honour (sic) to captain the Springboks and Siya and Pieter-Steph are two honest, hardworking men who enjoy the respect of their fellow players,” Erasmus said. “I believe both of them will do a good job as captains. My philosophy is that each player must take responsibility for his position and must therefore work extremely hard with that one goal in mind – to make the Springboks successful again.

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Meanwhile, the Welsh players aren't moaning and groaning - they're ready to pitch up.

?The Wales squad touched down in Washington D.C yesterday evening after the short hop across the Atlantic. WRU TV takes you behind the scenes... pic.twitter.com/OnlvIZiH5u

— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) May 28, 2018

In a Q&A with the Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff Blues flanker Ellis Jenkins, named co-captain for the tour, said he's ready to go.

"It'll be a big honour (sic)," Jenkins said The main thing for me is you get put in positions for things like captaincy based on what you've done, so it's not about trying to change anything."

Jenkins also said that playing in Washington DC will be a very different experience.

"The game is emerging in America," he said. "We've got Blaine (Scully), the USA captain with us (at the Cardiff Blues), and Cam Dolan was with us last season as well. I know some of the American boys and they're excited about it over there.

"It'll be good. It'll be interesting to see what sort of South Africa team we get but they'll be big, physical and impressive regardless of what side they bring."

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