Wales aim to defy the odds in South Africa

Wales aim to defy the odds in South Africa Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Dewi Lake both played in the 2023 World CupByGareth GriffithsBBC Sport Wales, AtDurban, South AfricaPublished1 minute agoCommentsThe long season is almost over.After a 10-month campaign that started for most players last August, one more challenge awaits Wales after they arrived this week in the South African coastal city of Durban.Steve Tandy's side face the ultimate test, with the daunting challenge of meeting the double world champions on their own turf.Hardly anybody will give Wales a chance. They are now ranked 12th in the world following the 35-21 defeat to Argentina and they lost 73-0 to the Springboks in Cardiff last autumn.But captain Dewi Lake is fit after limping off against Argentina and will lead his country for one final time in this campaign.After his Lazarus-style comeback, Wales will be hoping for a minor miracle.It will be a case of hope rather than expectation for the tourists as they look to defy overwhelming odds.Swapping Argentina for South AfricaImage source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Kings Park is home of the Sharks, who play in the United Rugby ChampionshipThe Nations Championship journey is not for the faint-hearted. Any Welsh fans travelling from San Juan to Durban faced a journey of more than 30 hours with three flights which crossed five time zones.The team took slightly less time but it was still the best part of a day, which is not ideal for professional athletes.After eventually arriving in Durban, on the seaboard of the eastern side of South Africa, you are greeted by the warmth of the Indian Ocean in which the locals and tourists can witness the dolphins, whales and sharks.The location means the city has a subtropical climate and delightfully warm water temperatures year-round. It is winter here, with air temperatures reaching the very pleasant 25C.The coastal city, like other places in South Africa, has a m...