The Rugby World Cup defending champions Springboks will know whether their quarter-final hopes still live on as Ireland and Scotland prepare for their final Pool B decider on Saturday night.
The only permutation that could see the Boks being knocked out of the competition is if both teams earn try-scoring bonus points, with Scotland winning by a margin of 21 points or more.
With both teams ranked in the top five in the world, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and his charges have been realistic in their view about making it through and have ensured that they continue with their training programme should the cards fall in their favour.
“No, we’re not tense,” said Boks prop Vincent Koch when asked if the team was frustrated about being in world cup limbo this past week,” he said.
“We did everything we could to be in a position to play in the quarter-final, so now we have to wait and see.
“In the last few days, we prepared as though we will play in the quarter-final. We must wait until tonight to find out if we make it. But regardless of that, preparing for the match was our main focus.”
Nienaber received a massive boost in his squad when star centre Lukhanyo Am, who joined the team following a devastating tournament injury from speedy winger Makazole Mapimpi.
“It’s a good feeling to be back,” Am told SA rugby media.
“It’s special to be part of this group. It was frustrating being injured and to have to follow the World Cup from home. It was as though something you love is taken away from you.
“But I’ve been working hard and I’m very fortunate to have been called up to the squad.”
South Africa are set to face France in the quarter-final if Ireland progress to the knock-out stages following the hosts’ 60-7 victory against Italy on Friday night.
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