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PARIS - South Africa need to play at a higher level than they have done during the World Cup if they are to beat Argentina in the semi-final on Sunday according to veteran lock Bakkies Botha or else all their work over the last four years will go up in smoke.
The 28-year-old, who forms along with Victor Matfield one of the most feared second row partnerships in rugby, also acknowledged that the Pumas pack was a formidable one and was relishing the challenge they would pose.
"Everyone knows that we must turn it up a notch higher this weekend and we know if we lose this weekend it's all gone," said Botha, who made his test debut in 2002 and like Matfield was part of the 2003 World Cup squad.
"The four year dream is all gone and I think we will definitely be at our best this weekend.
"The players want that cup and to get that cup we must win this weekend.
"I am going to prepare like it is the last Springbok game of my life."
Botha, who missed all of the 2006 season because of injury, said that the Argentine style of mainly keeping it in the forwards suited him down to the ground.
"I love the Argentina style. They like to play in the forwards," said the Blue Bulls star.
"We know that the Argies are a passionate squad and they will come out very aggressive and that's my game and I love it. I'm actually like a young boy, I can't sleep at night because I am looking forward to the weekend."
For Matfield it is essential that the 'Boks do not allow too many turnovers against a Pumas side who managed to take the ball off the Irish 10 times in their pool match.
"They have lots of forward power and a lot of momentum. They've also got a good kicking game, so we know what's coming," said Matfield, who has left South African club rugby to play for French second division side Toulon.
"We have too make sure they don't get too much ball. It's about using our ball effectively," added the 30-year-old, who captained the Blue Bulls to South Africa's first ever success in the Super 14 this year.
Matfield said that it was essential the 'Boks stood toe to toe with the Argentinians, whose pack in particular has intimidated and out psyched several of their opponents already.
"We have to make sure we get stuck into Argentina," said Matfield.
"We have to pitch up and play good rugby."
Matfield denied that there was more pressure on South Africa than the Argentinians, with many people saying they are favourites to go all the way and emulate their compatriots from 1995 in lifting the Webb Ellis trophy.
"Not really. There's just as much pressure on them (Argentina). It's a great opportunity for them to win the World Cup, so there's pressure on both them and us," he said.
For another of the veterans in the squad Bobby Skinstad it isn't a huge surprise that Argentina are in the last four.
"Argentina has developed as a side exceptionally well in the last two years," said the 31-year-old former goldenboy of South African rugby, who has bounced back after taking time out to work in London.
"They were under-rated and they'll be tough semi-final opponents, so I can't wait," added Skinstad, who was a member like Percy Montgomery and Os du Randt of the 1999 squad that reached the semis before losing to a Stephen Larkham drop goal.
For second choice fly-half Andre Pretorius if South Africa play like they train then there can only be one winner, even if he is respectful of the Pumas.
"I think an ideal scenario would be for us to play as we practice," said the 28-year-old, who had a nightmare one start in the tournament against Tonga, missing kick after kick before beng replaced early in the second-half.
"That would be a bonus for us. We're an effective, good team."
- AFP
