Shaun Edwards is braced for a “gladiatorial” Test match when Wales open their autumn international series against South Africa.
Saturday will be the countries’ first meeting since a gripping 2011 World Cup pool game in Wellington that South Africa edged 17-16.
Wales subsequently went on to reach the World Cup semi-finals and land successive RBS 6 Nations titles, but they have only beaten the Springboks once in 26 meetings stretching back 107 years.
Coach Warren Gatland is set to name his team on Tuesday, with injured backs Alex Cuthbert and Jamie Roberts likely to be replaced by Scarlets pair Liam Williams and Scott Williams, respectively.
Elsewhere, Rhys Priestland also looks poised for a return at fly-half following his Achilles tendon injury last term, while Cardiff Blues forward Bradley Davies could partner Alun-Wyn Jones at lock.
“If you like your rugby as gladiatorial, then get a ticket for Saturday because this will be no place for the faint-hearted,” Wales defence specialist Edwards said.
“We have to muscle up against these boys. We practise our tackling a lot, but we certainly have been concentrating on that this week.
Edwards said South Africa were also a skilful team, and that the current side was one of the best he’d seen from the country.
Recounting the World Cup clash two years ago, Edwards said he would have been a lot more worried if they had lost by 30 points than just one.
“We have had some close calls with South Africa over the years and there has only been a few lapses of concentration that have stopped us winning.”
Springboks boss Meyer, meanwhile, wants to let his players loose in wet weather at the Millennium Stadium, with strong indications he could push for the roof to be kept open, whatever the match-day elements.
Both coaches must agree in order for the roof to be closed, but Meyer is already looking towards World Cup 2015, which will be hosted in England.
“We need to adapt with the World Cup being held in England in 2015,” he said.
“I have always said that there is no bad weather, only soft people, so we have to have the right mindset.
“I actually want it to rain this week because that is what we will face in the World Cup. The more the better.”
Meyer, who guided his team to second place behind New Zealand in the recent Rugby Championship, has reported no injuries, with star wing Bryan Habana making a successful comeback following hamstring trouble for his club Toulon two days ago.