Wales call on Lions spirit for Springbok clash

[YahooNews]

CARDIFF (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Wales are depending on the spirit that saw the British and Irish Lions record a series win over Australia in the summer for their opening autumn Test against South Africa on Saturday. Wales coach Warren Gatland has named 11 players who featured under him for the Lions in their 2-1 win over the Wallabies to take on the might of a vastly experienced, hulking Springbok team. Wales, however, went on to reach the semi-finals in New Zealand, with Gatland also overseeing three Six Nations titles and two Grand Slams since taking charge of the Principality's side in 2008. But Wales's record in that same period against the southern hemisphere giants of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia has been dire, with just one win -- against Australia in 2008 -- compared to 20 defeats.