JUSTIN Tipuric is preparing himself for what promises to be another intensely physical battle on Saturday, but then it has always been that way for the Wales flanker.

South Africa, without a win in three games this autumn, are under all sorts of pressure going into this weekend’s clash at the Principality Stadium.

A draw with the Barbarians was followed by a convincing defeat to England and then last Saturday’s humbling at the hands of Italy in Florence.

Head coach Allister Coetzee has faced intense criticism from the South African media and fans, and he will be desperate for a win against Rob Howley’s charges to repair some of the damage.

While they may have put in a few massively below-par performances, Tipuric is taking nothing for granted when it comes to what the Springboks can bring to the table in Cardiff.

The Ospreys openside reckons the visitors could strengthen an already bulky pack, although stopping big opponents is something he is used to doing.

“They’re obviously a wounded animal and coming here under a lot of pressure from back home, so they’re going to be fighting for everything,” he said.

“They look like they are trying to beef up the pack even more which is hard to do when you are that big.

“Francois Lowe was a big loss for them and Marcell Coetzee too, but they have some really good back-rowers in reserve.”

He added: “I was always smaller than everyone growing up as a kid, so even when I was little everyone was much bigger than me. It’s exactly the same now, even at this stage of my life.

“If you’re smaller people think they can run over you, and it is nice to put a good tackle in and get them down.

“It’s something you do enjoy as a back-rower because people do try and run straight through you.

“When I was younger at the Ospreys there was a point in my career where they said I was a bit too slow and a bit too small.

“But everyone has ups and downs during their career and you just have to get stuck in.”