Victor Matfield is the best line-out jumper in the world and forms a formidable second-row partnership with the equally tough and menacing Bakkies Botha.

These two giants, quite literally, of Springbok rugby epitomise the winning mentality that runs through the current squad. Both are Rugby World Cup winners and both continue to be automatic choices for the national team as they gear up for the challenges ahead.

South Africa's pack is led by the team's captain, John Smit, another World Cup winner, and is augmented by the irrepressible flanker Schalk Burger, whose shock of blond hair and all-action style brings back memories of legendary French star Jean Pierre Rives.

Burger tends to walk a disciplinary tightrope, but his hard-hitting tackling invariably puts the opposition on the back foot.

The Boks may be a formidable force up front, but they are no slouches behind the scrum either, with number nine Fourie Du Preez generally regarded as the best in the world.

If the world champions do have a weakness, then it is at outside-half since Butch James opted to ply his trade in England with Bath. No-one doubts that Ruan Pienaar is a gifted player, but he is yet to prove himself a consistent performer in such a pivotal position.

Nevertheless, the Springboks do have, in the shape of winger Bryan Habana, the best finisher in world rugby and with such strength in depth at their disposal, the likelihood of new talent emerging in 2009 is high.