Coach - Jake White
Captain - John Smit
After the euphoria surrounding their Rugby World Cup 1995 triumph on home soil dissipated with a semi-final exit in 1999 and quarter-final loss in 2003, can the Springboks bounce back?
Based on their form over the last couple of years, you would have to say yes. Coach Jake White has fashioned an exciting blend of rampaging forward play and quicksilver backs that can turn it on at will.
White decided to experiment in the recent Tri-Nations, which explains why they managed just one win in four games, but it could prove a wise move if the players start fresh in Pool A alongside reigning champions England.
Hooker John Smit, who captains the side, forms the core of the pack with locks Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield, allowing Schalk Burger to forage around the sides. Pierre Spies' injury absence, though, could yet tell.
Add in wonder wing Bryan Habana and there is every chance the Springboks can set up a clash with the rampaging All Blacks in the Paris final, especially after they dismantled Scotland in their final warm-up game.
Sean Fitzpatrick's key player: The big blond flanker Shalk Burger’s presence and enthusiasm is huge for the Boks, as is his ability to get all around the field and get them the forward momentum.
Burger’s fitness is his ace in the hole and, at 24, he’s at his prime for his energetic style of play. He’s also great at the break down and in attack – a real all-rounder.
Martin Bayfield’s prediction: They have the best squad when they are all happy with each other. If any team can rival Wales for internal fighting and arguments, it is the Springboks. They are starting to add a bit of flair and finesse to their game along with the brutish forwards.
Looking at their potential path through the matches, they are going to face Wales in the quarter-final and France in the semi-final. They are games they can win and they could face the All Blacks in the final. The All Blacks are the favourites, but South Africa are catching fast.
Did you know ... ?
1) Wily scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen went over 38 times in his hugely impressive career to achieve the country's record try mark.
2) Coach White picked up the honour of IRB coach of the year in 2004.
3) The Springboks were denied entry into the first two Rugby World Cups due to apartheid.
