World Ranking: 2.

COACH: Nick Mallett. Has done more than anyone else to try and change the arrogant, suspicious face of South African rugby. Took charge in 1997 and subsequently led the Springboks to equal the longest running sequence of test match victories - England eventually ended the run. During that time he won the Tri-Nations series in 1998, going through it unbeaten. Under severe pressure back home as the Springboks have stumbled from one defeat to another this season and are missing a couple of key players through injury.

TACTICAL TURN: Mallett has harnassed the traditionally abrasive qualities of gargantuan South African packs and injected flair and pace behind the scrum. Os du Randt and Adrian Garvey are the cornerstones of the pack. Need Bobby Skinstad to recover from yet another injury that has kept him sidelined for most of the season. Joost van der Westhuizen, Henry Honiball and Pieter Muller are key figures behind the scrum while Percy Montgomery must rediscover his attacking verve at fullback. On their day a match for anyone but the last time they struck form is quite a while ago.

STAR TURN: Joost van der Westhuizen. Vying with Australia's George Gregan for the accolade of the world's best scrum-half. Strong, quick and incisive, he is also an aggressive defender. Shoulders the additional responsibility of team captain, taking over from Gary Teichmann. Very competitive on the pitch, he shuns the limelight when not playing, preferring the company of his young family. Huge responsibility both as a leader and an inspiration.

VERDICT: Have never lost a match in the World Cup finals, winning all six matches in 1995. Will emerge from Pool A but unless they can suddenly rediscover the form of 1998 they are in danger of finishing runners-up. Assuming they win, they will face either England or New Zealand in Paris in the quarter-final and given recent form that would be the end of their involvement. Unless Mallett can find a quick fix and rehabilitate quickly from injury several players, South Africa's defence of the title looks flawed.

FINAL THOUGHTS: "The All Blacks are definitely favourites for the World Cup. For them it was excellent to come here and win. We're probably about fourth or fifth on the list for the World Cup. But I really believe we can get back."

- Nick Mallett (Springbok coach).