"WE were not prepared in the Millennium Stadium's opener five years ago, but we will be this time,"

Springboks legend Gary Teichmann warns Wales ahead of tomorrow's big game between two of the oldest rivals in rugby.

In 1999 Wales sprung a big shock by beating South Africa for the first - and only - time as they romped to a 29-19 victory in the first game played at the stadium.

"Our preparations were very poor whereas Wales were coming into form, Graham Henry had just taken over and they played well on the day. But it goes like that sometimes and you just have to enjoy it while you can," Teichmann said in an exclusive interview with the Argus.

"New coach Jake White has done really well. We were very concerned when he took over that he didn't have the experience, but he's done a hell of a job.

"The team is happy, that's the most important thing. South Africa has been through a lot, but Jake has brought something to the table, that is the satisfying thing.

"We are coming over there confident which will be important for a tough tour," he added, on the back of South Africa winning the Tri Nations title.

Teichmann was captain of the one and only losing Springboks team in 1999 and the repercussions were huge as he lost his job and his place in the team, coach Nick Mallett overlooking him for the World Cup that year as well.

And just two months later Teichmann's world turned full circle when he arrived at Rodney Parade on a two-year contract for a wonderfully successful time with Newport which crowned a glittering career.

He is now a successful businessman in Durban and is on the board of Natal Sharks. He will probably make a return visit this month for the England-South Africa game in a fortnight.

He expects South Africa to beat Wales for the 16th time in 18 meetings between the two countries (the 1970 game was drawn), though he warns his own team to guard against complacency.

"The pack are strong, they've been building and concentrating on a rush-up defence which worked in the Tri Nations, though whether it works overseas is a different story," he said.

"We are relying on a big pack giving quality ball, and the backs are getting more confident too. But I think Wales will be different from when they were over here last (they lost 53-18 in June) when they were coming from Argentina and had a lot of injury problems.

"Let's hope South Africa don't fall into the trap of underestimating them, it's always a possibility, but I'd be very surprised after what we have been through in the last two years.

"I don't think the Welsh side is 100% yet, but it won't be a walk in the park for us. We will try to dominate up front and release the backs a bit.

"I'm sure Wales will play with their normal spirit and give it everything.

"It will be about whether we can weather that and keep our own ball.

"But I would expect South Africa to win."