South Africa did not compete in the first two World Cups in 1987 and 1991 because of anti-apartheid boycotts, but the Springboks have more than made up since then, winning the tournament twice in four attempts.

As the host nation of the 1995 tournament, and under the presidency of Nelson Mandela (who attended the final at Ellis Park), captain Francois Pienaar led South Africa to glory in Johannesburg. There they conquered the mighty All Blacks, who had blitzed a path to the final thanks in no small part to the unstoppable runs of phenomenon Jonah Lomu. But Springbok winger James Small did a job on Lomu, helping his team to a dramatic 15-12 win.

Four years on, an inferior South African team lost out narrowly to Australia in the last four, having drop-kicked England into submisson in the quarter-finals.

Of the four World Cups the Springboks have contested, 2003 was comfortably their worst campaign. They lost to England in their crunch pool match, a defeat that set them inexorably on the path to a tough quarter-final against pre-tournament favourites New Zealand, which they lost by 20 points.

South Africa go into the 2011 Rugby World Cup as defending champions, after they beat underdogs England in the 2007 final to claim their second title. This time around they will again be one of the favourites to win, as their brand of fast and physical rugby is notoriously difficult to beat.

World Cup squad:

Forwards: Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), Gurthro Steenkamp (Bulls), John Smit (Sharks, capt), Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks), Chiliboy Ralepelle (Bulls), Jannie du Plessis (Sharks), CJ van der Linde (Lions), Bakkies Botha (Bulls), Victor Matfield (Bulls, vice-capt), Johann Muller (Ulster), Dannie Rossouw (Bulls), Willem Alberts (Sharks), Schalk Burger (Province), Heinrich Brussow (Free State Cheetahs), Francois Louw (Bath), Pierre Spies (Bulls)

Backs: Francois Steyn (Racing Metro), Patrick Lambie (Sharks), JP Pietersen (Sharks), Gio Aplon (Western Province), Jaque Fourie (Province), Jean de Villiers (Province), Juan de Jongh (Province), Bryan Habana (Province), Odwa Ndungane (Sharks), Morne Steyn (Blue Bulls), Butch James (Golden Lions), Fourie du Preez (Bulls), Francois Hougaard (Bulls), Ruan Pienaar (Ulster)

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