SOUTH Africa are the giants of rugby union but, in a World Cup year, they are not sleeping.

Few players have a heavier step than 125-kilogram loose-head Os du Randt, nearing his 35th birthday and preparing for his final international campaign after making his debut in 1994.

Then there's his Cheetahs teammate and South African Test tight-head CJ van der Linde - another 125kg big bopper.

With two outstanding hookers in skipper John Smit and Gary Botha, a tradition of powerful scrummaging and an internationally proven lineout pair in Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha, South Africa's forward strength is formidable.

They also have the backs to score tries from anywhere from their forward powerbase. They will give the World Cup a mighty shake.

Source: The Sun-Herald
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