Watching the rivals: South Africa

South Africa`s Jean de Villiers. Photo / AP.

In the first part of an ongoing series as we count down to the World Cup, Kris Shannon assesses how the All Blacks' main rivals are tracking in the build-up to rugby's showpiece tournament. Today, two-time champions South Africa.

What they did last time:
South Africa emerged unbeaten from pool play in New Zealand, edging Wales by one point in their opening match to ensure they would advance to the quarter-finals in top spot. That's as far as the they progressed, though, knocked out by a 72nd-minute James O'Connor penalty against Australia.

History at the tournament:
South Africa, along with New Zealand and Australia, have the best historic record at the World Cup, winning titles in 1995 and 2007. Having made their debut at their home tournament in 1995, they have two quarter-final exits to go with three appearances in the final four.

Form in 2015:
Not much to speak of, given the international campaign is about to begin. South African sides were underwhelming in this year's Super Rugby season, with the Lions, Bulls, Sharks and Cheetahs occupying positions 8-12 on the table. Only the Stormers progressed to the playoffs and, having accrued the fewest points of any of the six playoff teams, they were immediately bundled out by the Brumbies at home.

Next game:
Like the All Blacks, South Africa are set to enjoy a warm-up run before the Rugby Championship kicks off next weekend. And it's a match that features a distinctly Kiwi flavour, with the Springboks taking on a Robbie Deans-coached World XV in Cape Town on Sunday morning (NZT). Deans has named eight New Zealanders in his 23-man squad, with former All Blacks and those on the fringes peppering the side. Ali Williams and Carl Hayman will bring 122 caps worth of experience to a pack that also includes one-test loosie Luke Whitelock and fellow Crusader Jordan Taufua in the back row. Rudi Wulf, David Smith and Kiwi-born Wallaby Mike Harris will start among the backs, while Chiefs utility Andrew Horrell is on the bench.

Ins and outs:
Skipper Jean de Villiers has taken another step in his remarkable return from injury, being named on the bench for the World XV match. The centre suffered a knee dislocation and ligament damage during a defeat against Wales last year and, with fears the 34-year-old could be forced to retire, de Villiers spent the season undergoing extensive rehabilitation. His presence on the bench sees lock Victor Matfield assume the captaincy at Newlands, leading a team featuring a pair of uncapped players. Jesse Kriel will start at centre after excelling at fullback for the Bulls, while Vincent Koch earns a chance to audition to be understudy for veteran tighthead Jannie du Plessis. The Springboks will be missing a trio of top-line injured players - Fourie du Preeze, Willem Alberts and Duane Vermeulen.

Talking point:
Vermeulen is facing a race against time to be fit for the start of the World Cup after undergoing a neck operation in Durban earlier in the week. The No8 suffered the injury during the captain's run before an encounter with the Lions in June and, after missing the Super Rugby playoffs, opted to go under the knife in a bid to be fit for the trip to England. The operation typically has a 10-week recovery time, which would elapse on September 16, a mere three days before the Springboks start their World Cup campaign with a clash against Japan. But coach Heyneke Meyer said in a statement he was confident the 2014 South African player of the year would find fitness in time. "Duane is a team man who has often played through the pain barrier and I know nothing will hold him back. We will do everything possible to get him ready in time for the World Cup."