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MARSEILLE - South Africa have powered their way into the World Cup quarter-finals but remain surprised at the way the tournament draw has favoured them, coach Jake White said.
England's decline made their pivotal Pool A match a 36-0 cakewalk while defeats for traditional rugby powers France and Wales have given their draw a wholly unexpected look.
The Springboks now face Fiji in a last eight clash in Marseille on Monday.
"If you had told me a couple of years ago that our last three games could be Fiji, Argentina and the World Cup final, I think anyone in South African rugby would take it," White told said.
"We've never lost to Argentina or Fiji, so we'll stick to what we've done in the past."
The Springboks won their only meeting with Fiji, 43-18, in 1996 and should they triumph on Monday they are likely to face the Pumas, who play Scotland in Paris the same day.
South Africa played their first test against Argentina in 1993 and have won all 11 meetings between the teams, most recently 34-23 in Buenos Aires two years ago.
Only one of hosts France, defending champions England and the Springboks' southern hemisphere rivals Australia and New Zealand will emerge from the other half of the draw to contest the final.
New Zealand are favourites to be that team and arguably face a run-in that would battle harden them for the final.
"We'll see how sharp they are and be able to judge them by their match against France," said White.
"If New Zealand have to play France then Australia of course it's going to take its toll more than having an easier run into the final.
"But one thing about New Zealand is that they have a bigger bench than other sides, but on the starting 15 it must have an impact."
- REUTERS
