Fun off the field gives Springboks a lift

South Africa flanker Willem Alberts believes enjoying life off the field will boost the Springboks' chances of successfully defending the Rugby World Cup.

The South Africans are based in Taupo, a small town in the centre of New Zealand's North Island which offers plenty of adventurous activities such as sky diving, jet boating and paragliding.

The team's hotel is close to Lake Taupo, the country's largest lake, and the spectacular Huka Falls, and there is also trout fishing and golf to help keep the players occupied.

When asked whether it would be difficult to stay focused on playing Namibia in Thursday's Pool D match in Auckland, Alberts said: "I don't think it is too difficult when you're in a World Cup to keep the focus and know what job has to be done.

"But it is good for the guys to see a nice place like Taupo and do a few things outside of rugby that binds the team together.

"This is a wonderful experience on and off the field and you have to embrace everything you can and enjoy it. I think it'll be a good week for us."

Namibian challenge

The Springboks have posted wins over Wales and Fiji so far at RWC 2011 and are on track to meet Tri Nations champion Australia in the quarter-finals.

On Monday, about 300 fans turned up to South Africa's training at Owen Delany Park in Taupo and the players were more than happy to sign autographs and pose for photos.

South Africa are expected to have a comparatively straightforward outing against winless Namibia at North Harbour Stadium, but scrum half Ruan Pienaar said their fellow Africans would offer a "good challenge".

"I think they try to play a good brand of rugby," the 27-year-old Pienaar said. "They're willing to throw the ball around a little bit.

"There's a couple of guys who are playing rugby overseas and in the Currie Cup that we know.

"They've lost their first two games (against Fiji and Samoa) but they've really been positive in the way they've played.

"They're asking a lot of questions of the defence. It's going to be a good challenge."