A World Cup semi-final will be the ultimate test of a partnership most recently battle-hardened by exposure to Japanese rugby, in more ways than one.
Fourie Du Preez and Schalk Burger have been central to the Springboks recovery since their shock defeat to Japan in their opening match and the captain acknowledged yesterday that the way things have panned out has been remarkable since they joined Suntory Sungoliath last year.
"It's pretty unbelievable for two guys at this stage, captain and vice captain, playing for the same club in Japan,” said Du Preez.
"It is pretty much the same boat as after Japan. It's still a knock-out game, a massive, massive game, the biggest game of my life and Schalk's life and we have been around for a bit."
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