Springboks to slay Wales in World Cup quarter-final, predicts Carling

Beating the Springboks in the quarter-finals will be a step too far for Wales at this year’s Rugby World Cup, former England captain Will Carling believes.

Wales have been hit hard by injuries at this year’s tournament, with six players from their original squad sidelined.

#WAL prop Nicky Smith out for 6-8 weeks with ankle ligament damage http://t.co/k12Yrbo5Qypic.twitter.com/qfAFS9bKVN

— WalesOnline Rugby (@WalesRugby) October 13, 2015

Wales upset England 28-25, but lost 15-6 in a bruising encounter to Australia last weekend to finish second in Pool A.

Saturday’s Test will be another intensely physical encounter against South Africa and Carling sees the Boks emerging victorious.

Injury-ravaged & in the tougher half of the draw... But #WAL 'battle-hardened' for #RSA tie http://t.co/TBiOiygBwLpic.twitter.com/wRTnLXgs4f

— WalesOnline Rugby (@WalesRugby) October 13, 2015

The former centre, who played 73 Tests for England between 1988 and 1997, shared his thoughts on the match via a video posted to his Twitter page.

Last tweet with my 1/4 final RWC predictions, just to keep annoying @JiffyRugbyhttp://t.co/aKeRPR8gcH#accent#shocker

— Will Carling (@willcarling) October 13, 2015

“As much as I would love to think that the Dragon will roar again, I just think with all the injuries this might be a little bit too far, and maybe the Dragon will be downed, which will be sad. I think the South Africans might get through,” said Carling.

Saturday’s clash at Twickenham is scheduled for 17:00 (SA time).