Springboks focus on Namibia as Australia loom

South Africa are on track for a quarter-final berth against familiar foes Australia but they refuse to look further ahead of their Pool D clash with Namibia in Auckland on Thursday.

The Springboks emerged relatively unscathed from their bruising 49-3 win over Fiji in Wellington on Saturday night and have veteran second row Victor Matfield close to fully fit.
Backs coach Dick Muir admitted Ireland’s 15-6 upset win over the Wallabies at Eden Park and New Zealand’s chopping and changing of their backline had surprised the Springboks camp.

"It's been interesting watching all the games,” Muir said on Sunday at a press conference in Taupo.

“We were surprised at some of those results. They've been good tough battles. Australia are a team we know, probably better than we'd know Ireland.

All Blacks surprise

“We've been a little bit surprised with New Zealand, some of their selections, but we also know they've got a squad that's got a lot of versatile players.

“But we're going to worry about Namibia and get that under the belt. We've got plenty of time to assess those other sides (Australia and the All Blacks) when we get to that bridge.”

Team doctor Craig Roberts said he was pleased to report no major injuries from the Springboks’ win over the Fijians after Matfield, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana and Butch James were hurt during their RCW 2011 opening 17-16 win over Wales. They will all be assessed during the week.

Dr Roberts said he was "very happy" with Matfield’s progress after intensive rehabilitation on his injured hamstring.

"We're not going to rush him back, obviously it's a long tournament and we want to make sure he's at his best for that,” he said.

Building momentum

Muir said he was pleased the RWC defending champions were able to cross for six tries against Fiji but it was important to keep playing attacking rugby.

Flanker Schalk Burger and man of the match, back row Danie Rossouw, were the stand-out forwards.

"We went into this campaign a little underdone and we wanted to show some steady improvement,” Muir said.

"It's a tournament where you build up momentum and you want to continue with that.

"We've had two very physical hit-outs (against Wales and Fiji) and I expect it's going to be exactly the same against Namibia, and following that Samoa."