Wales players need to address 'brutal situation'

Autumn Nations Series: Wales v South Africa

Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 23 November Kick-off: 17:40 GMT

Coverage: Live on S4C, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, live text and commentary on the BBC Sport website and app

Lock Will Rowlands says players have to accept responsibility for the "brutal situation" Wales are in as they prepare to face world champions South Africa on Saturday.

Wales have lost a record 11 consecutive internationals which has resulted in the position of head coach Warren Gatland coming under scrutiny.

Gatland's side have not claimed a Test match victory since the 2023 World Cup and face losing every match in the 2024 calendar year.

"We are all very aware we are the players, ultimately, we are the people who are playing the game and who control whether we win or lose," said Rowlands.

"You need good coaching input, support staff, you need everything else around it, but ultimately, the buck falls with us.

"We are the ones responsible. Everyone is aware of that. We are the ones who have let ourselves down, probably, so far.

"Gats [Warren Gatland] is a very good man and he has done a great job for Wales. It is a brutal situation for everyone to be in."

Racing 92 lock Rowlands, 33, outlined the passion within the Wales squad to turn things around.

"It matters a huge amount to us to be able to play for Wales," said Rowlands.

"When you lose any game, particularly when you feel you haven't given the best account of yourselves, you feel you have let down yourselves, the public and the whole group. It is a horrible feeling.

"Sport is a rollercoaster, and sometimes there are more ups than downs. We are in one of the down periods.

"We are the players on the pitch, guys who are pulling on the shirt and trying to give the best performance to back up everyone else - the coach, other players who aren't playing, the support staff, the fans and people who come to the stadium.

"So, I hope in tough times is when strong characters are made. I've got confidence in the group that will be the case."

The Springboks arrive in Cardiff after winning the Rugby Championship and have 10 victories from 12 Tests this year underlining a gulf between the teams in terms of form.

South Africa have lost on four of their previous six Cardiff visits, but overall, it is six wins from the last seven against Wales.

"We need to leave a performance we can feel proud of," said Rowlands.

"At the beginning of the autumn we talked about the three games and targeting to have at least two wins.

"We haven't delivered on that, but the last game can be important, result aside, from the performance that leaves a taste in everyone's mouth."

The experience gap is huge, with South Africa having 963 caps in their match-day squad compared to Wales' 334.

"I have belief if we play well we can beat South Africa, but having a good performance will give us something to build on moving forward," said Rowlands.

"They are not unbeatable. They are a fantastic side, and are world champions for a reason, but there are guys in our team who have beaten them before."