While Wales has been training at the U.S. Naval Academy in preparation for this weekend's clash with South Africa at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., the Springboks have just arrived in town, showcasing once again the different approaches to this test match.

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Fans, too, should take a considered approach to Saturday's game. Here are five reasons why this game matters.

USA, USA

How Welsh Rugby and South African Rugby view the United States is important. How the game is staged—and covered and followed—is important as the USA continues to build its reputation as a venue for major international rugby.

The teams themselves are giving a few nods to the host nation, whether it's visiting the HQ of a major sponsor...

? On the way to Washington yesterday the squad dropped into @UnderArmour HQ in Baltimore... pic.twitter.com/opHoykxpSK

— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) May 31, 2018

... or training and exploring at the U.S. Naval Academy, as the Wales team has done all week.

The Springboks haven't been here long, but how they arrived gave us all a very clear view of how they plan to connect with fans. The great Madiba, Nelson Mandela, is on their T-shirts, and it's not lost on anyone that Washington D.C. itself is almost half African-American. 

The Springbok squad arrived in Washington a few minutes ago. Check the special Madiba t-shirts! #Mandela100 pic.twitter.com/ZnsbQdFM30

— South African Rugby (@Springboks) May 31, 2018

Can the Springboks be the team for the locals to cheer for?

What A Bunch Of Nobodies

If you're one of those people dismissing the Springboks or the Wales players as unknowns and the teams themselves as B-teams, then you're missing out.

First of all, try lining up against these guys. Unknown Andre Esterhuizen will make his debut at center for South Africa. He's 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, and all scary. You haven't heard of him yet, but what about being able to say, "I saw him when he just got started, and I knew he'd be good." Jason Jenkins? He could be the next Victor Matfield, easily.

Wales captain Ellis Jenkins has started exactly once for Wales. But Warren Gatland has seen something in him as a leader. He's a tireless flanker with all the right skills. Remember him.

And Wales has an Esterhuizen of its own. Owen Watkin has four caps to his name. The 21-year-old center is 6-3, 227 pounds and lines up next to 73-cap superstar George North. Want to see the future on the launching pad? Watch Watkin.

When You're Gone, But Not Forgotten

Tom Prydie set a record as Wales' youngest player when he was 18... in 2010. He was capped four times in 2010 and once in 2013 and then—nothing. 

A very skilled wing and solid finisher, he's a great example of a player who was out of national team consideration and now has another shot. He's a story to watch.

History

South Africa has played on U.S. soil (in 15s) only twice, beating the Eagles in a hugely controversial game in 1981 and winning an extremely close one in 2001 before one of the largest crowds to see an Eagles game.

Wales has played in the USA four times, beating the Eagles in one blowout (77-3 on Hartford, CT, in 2005), two very close games in 1997, and a 48-15 decision in Chicago in 2009.

But this will be the first neutral site effort for both nations in the USA.

Some more images from the Springbok team arrival in Washington on Thursday. #Mandela100 @MTNza pic.twitter.com/UpZktgiiwr

— South African Rugby (@Springboks) May 31, 2018

Overall, Wales and South Africa have met 33 times, starting in 1906. South Africa won 11 of the first 12 meetings, with the other being a 6-6 tie in 1970. Then, after Wales upset the Springboks in 1999, South Africa won the next 16.

But it has all changed since then, with Wales winning three of the last four. Can Wales make it three in a row on Saturday?

Who Wins

It's a less experienced but very hungry Springboks team. Wales has wisely spent more time in the D.C. area, getting used to the heat and humidity. These two teams were very close in December, with Leigh Halfpenny's penalty at 67 minutes nudging Wales to a 24-22 win. Without Halfpenny's cool demeanor and goalkicking, Wales might be under pressure.

But we think it will be Wales. We'll give a nod to a slightly more experienced outfit and the better acclimatization. And we have a feeling that the traditional South African strength in the scrum will be met force for force by Wales.