The Rugby national team of South Africa is one of the dominating forces in the world. They carry the expectations of not only their own nation but also several fans all over the world on their shoulders. Their greatest rivalry over the past few years have been with the team from New Zealand. South Africans have failed to defeat their arch rivals since the defunct tri nation series in 2011. Their coach Heyneke Meyer has not been able to produce the desired result with his team since taking over the assignment of the national team. The captain of the team Jean de Villers believes that the present group of players from South Africa has got the potential to halt the progress of the world champions. The Rugby Championship where teams Australia and New Zealand compete with the Springboks, the African team has won only three times and the last scalp being in 2009. The team kick starts its campaign in the Rugby Championship with their match against Argentina.
Two of the greatest success stories associated with the team ahead of their first fixture involve a youngster along with a veteran. Twenty year old Handre Pollard who captained the South Africa under-20 side has received a call up from his national team and is excited to represent his country as the fly half. Heavy built star Damien de Allende is tipped to win his first cap as the central position player. However the most awaited comeback will be of Juan Smith who might be winning hi s70th cap after a long eighteen month break due to the Achilles tendon injury. The 33 year old is hoping to have another shot at representing South Africa in the 2015 World Cup. Smith had represented the Toulon and believes that whatever he is achieving after his comeback is a bonus for him.