sentences:  The following years saw the South Africans play on an inconsistent basis against several touring sides most notably including the touring French and Russian sides.Continued progress would see them again qualify for what would be their second consecutive World Cup in 2000 and leading into the tournament they were hopeful of gaining their first Cup win after being drawn into an easier yet still competitive group with France, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.Prior to the tournament they would play Wales for the first time in a tough friendly encounter.