The Springboks have been in a period of transition since winning the Rugby World Cup in 2007 as coach Peter De Villiers seeks a consistent winning blend.

De Villiers has at his disposal a wonderful blend of youth and experience, and South Africa's renowned defence remains the cornerstone to their successes.

On their day they can rip apart the best sides in the world - as they proved by putting 50 points on Australia during the 2008 Tri-Nations tournament and hammering England at Twickenham later the same year.

During the 2008 Tri-Nations tournament and on their autumn excursion to Europe, the Springboks began to play far more adventurous rugby which, when allied to their formidable physical presence, made them a major force, as they proved in that win over Australia by a 53-8 margin and the demolition of England to the tune of 42-6.

World Cup-winning skipper John Smit remains at the helm and South Africa also still have at their disposal many of the players who helped them lift the Webb Ellis trophy, even though the likes of Os Du Randt and Percy Montgomery have retired.

As reigning world champions the Springboks remain the team to beat, even though they have not won a Tri-Nations title since 2004 and continue to fall short in matches against their main nemesis, the New Zealand All Blacks.

Despite ending 2008 on a high note, De Villiers certainly cannot afford to rest on his laurels as Springbok supporters are a notoriously fickle bunch.

If the team fails to maintain its momentum, particularly on home turf, then the clamour for the coach to be axed will reach fever pitch. Hence the reason the position of head coach of the Springboks is known as the toughest job in world rugby.