Pat Lambie says the rugby world can expect a backlash from the wounded Springboks when they face Samoa on Saturday.
South Africa were stunned 34-32 by Japan in their World Cup opener on Saturday, probably the greatest upset in rugby history.
But fly-half Lambie insists they will take out their frustration and pain on Samoa in their next match.
"Certainly since I've been with the Springboks, it's brought the best out of the group when we have our backs against the wall," Lambie said.
"All our focus is completely on Saturday against Samoa and we really want to make things right. We don't really have a choice now but to dig deep and find something special."
The 24-year-old also acknowledged that the Boks' next Pool B encounter couldn't come quickly enough.
"All the players have been looking forward to getting our team review over and done with, getting out onto the training field and moving on.
"We are really looking forward to making this right. We have all been hurting, more than ever before."
Lambie, who has won 45 caps, said he and his Springbok team-mates were not surprised by the ferocity of Japan's play in Brighton.
"We knew they would be up for it. We knew it would be a very fast game, that they were going to play above themselves.
"Even at half-time the talk was good, everyone was calm - there weren't any wide eyes."