Friday 16 October 2015 12:46, UK
Sky Sports' Thinus Delport is expecting a big performance from South Africa's young stars in their quarter-final against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.
The winner of the battle between South Africa and Wales will take on either France or New Zealand in the semi-final, who face off in Cardiff later in the day.
The two sides have had differing form in the pool stages, with South Africa suffering a shock loss to Japan while Wales came from behind to beat England at Twickenham in their second game before defeat to Australia in a bruising encounter.
Former Springbok Delport says South Africa's main goal for the quarter-final should be to play the game at their strengths, rather than try nullify the threat offered by Wales.
"It's whether those young players can deal with that pressure, but I think with the support of the older player they will be very confident going into this game."
"It's going to be a very tough game on Saturday," said Delport. "For South Africa it's about putting focus on the set piece and playing the territory game effectively.
"The Boks have improved their defence, it's starting to come together, but they need to keep improving.
"The key point to look at is discipline. Too often the Springboks have given away crucial penalties.
"They have to make sure they don't fall foul of Wayne Barnes' interpretation at the breakdown, where a lot of those penalties have come from.
"Especially with guys like Bismarck du Plessis, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger and Duane Vermeulen, who are all very effective at the breakdown. As a pack they will be effective at slowing the ball down but they will have to be careful that they aren't on the wrong end of the referee in doing so."
The former Sharks back has been impressed by the way the Boks' young stars have bounced back, while the senior members of the squad have rallied around them since the loss to the Brave Blossoms.
"There has been improvement over the last three games as well as the return to form and fitness from guys like Duane Vermeulen.
"Also the way Lood de Jager has stepped up has been impressive, and Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel have done well to develop their partnership too.
"It's whether those young players can deal with that pressure, but I think with the support of the older player they will be very confident going into this game."
For Delport, one young player in particular is key to South Africa's success.
Lood de Jager was brought into the team following an injury to Victor Matfield, and the young Cheetahs lock has since cemented himself as a core player in South Africa's World Cup campaign.
"I think he's been outstanding," said Delport. "He's been the find of the season for the Springboks.
"The fact that he leads the tackle-count in games shows that he has an unbelievable work-rate, and South Africa are still strong in the lineout so nothing has been lost in that department.
"De Jager and Eben Etzebeth are forming a pretty formidable partnership in the second row."
The work-rate of the young players will be particularly important in a match against a hardened Wales outfit.
Warren Gatland's men have played England and Australia in quick succession, which has given them an edge to their approach, but the games came at a loss in terms of the physical effect on the squad.
"Because they had those two big games mentally they will be prepared, but physically it will be a challenge," said Delport. "Whether the physical preparation can match the mental will be their key to their success.
"Once again they've lost someone to injury with Liam Williams out of the World Cup and Eli Walker coming into the squad.
"The depth in their squad has already been tested and this will be a physical clash.
"That won't worry Wales too much though; if you look at Jamie Roberts and Alun Wyn Jones, they are always happy to play a physical game."
According to the South African, there is one area of concern for his countrymen.
"The tactical kicking from the back three," says Delport, "Willie le Roux is a wonderful counter-attacker, but his tactical kicking has not been of a top level this season and that's something Wales will potentially look to exploit.
"We saw against Australia they put a lot of high balls up early for Israel Folau to force him to make decisions from the outset.
"South Africa will have to be very sharp in their decision-making around when they kick and what type of kick they opt for if they are to come away with the win."
