The Springboks are locked and loaded for Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France in Paris.

The global showpiece has reached its business end and by the end of the weekend only four teams will be remaining.

The quarter-finals will kick-off on Saturday afternoon in Marseille with Warren Gatland’s Wales in action against Argentina. This game will be followed by the quarter-final between Ireland and the All Blacks in Paris, with this match kicking off at 21:00.

On Sunday at 17:00, the 2003 champions, England will be in action against Fiji in Marseille.

Then it’s the big one with the host France in action against the reigning World Champions, South Africa.

The French will certainly be charged up to face the Springboks in front of their die-hard home support and the crowd will be very hostile.

Bongi Mbonambi - RWC

The Springbok hooker, Bongi Mbonambi, said they have experience of the crowds and they must just take it in their stride.

“The atmosphere is going to be massive. We have tried to simulate it in training, express it in the week so that when it happens during the match it is not something new that shocks you.

“We know it will be sold out and they will start be singing. We have had noise in training. We just try to make sure that when it comes on Sunday it is not the first time we have experienced it. We just try to focus on executing our game plan.”

The last time the Springboks and France clashed was in November last year during the end of year tour in Marseille in a Test that was won 30-26 by the hosts.

The only time these teams previously faced each other at a Rugby World Cup was at a rain-drenched Kings Park in Durban in 1995 when the Boks beat the French 19-15… and the French are still disputing the outcome of that semi-final.

The Springboks focus will be on their discipline and doing the basics really well against the team that has already proven to be dangerous.

Manie Libbok and Felix Jones - SA Rugby

The Springbok assistant coach, Felix Jones, also emphasized the importance of winning the big moments.

“There have been a number of games over the last two to three years where it comes down to the last play of the game or the last kick of the game or a penalty in the last minute or two either way, giving one away or receiving one.

“We have also won a lot of games in those dying few minutes.

“We expect this to be a very tight game. What do you do to overcome that? You probably don't want to let it get to that stage and try and nail your biggest moments in the first 70 minutes so it doesn't come to that point.

“But if it does you need to be accurate. We were disappointed we couldn't finish off our last opportunity against Ireland.”

The Springboks will be naming their team for the quarter-final at 9:00 this morning, while Sunday’s game kicks off at 21:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport