Dr Danny Jordaan, President of the South African Football Association (SAFA) has conveyed a message of good luck to the Springboks ahead of their departure to England for the 2015 Rugby World Cup tournament, which gets underway on Friday, 18 September.
The opening match will see the hosts take on Fiji at Twickenham, London in Pool A.
South Africa has been drawn in Pool B alongside Japan, Samoa, Scotland and the USA.
The Springboks kick off their campaign against Japan next Saturday, 19 September in Brighton. Their next match is a week later (Saturday, 26 September) when they lock horns with Samoa in Birmingham.
Up next will be a clash against Scotland on Saturday, 3 October in Newcastle upon Tyne before completing their group stages matches against the USA on Wednesday, 7 October in London.
The Boks depart for England on Friday, 11 September.
“Sport is one of the tools that bring together a nation and as South African Football Association we would like to take this opportunity to wish the Springboks everything of the best as they go into war in England against some of the best in the business,” said Dr Jordaan.
“On behalf of all the football lovers around the country, we would like to assure you that we will be behind you in your quest to bring back the World Cup trophy. We are confident you will represent us with pride and dignity. We wish the team well.”
Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim Mashaba in a letter addressed to his counterpart Heyneke Meyer echoed the same sentiments.
“On behalf of Bafana Bafana, I would like to take this opportunity to wish our Springboks all the best in the upcoming 2015 Rugby World Cup. You have shown in the past that you have the ability to conquer the world and Bafana Bafana are fully behind you in this important adventure,” said Mashaba.
“Go out there and represent the Rainbow Nation with pride and vigor. Remember the most important thing and recipe for success is to give it all. To all the players who have been selected for this showpiece, this is a special moment for you to showcase you talents to the world at the highest level. Always remember to give respect to your opponents BUT fear no one.”
And a special mention was reserved for the Meyer.
“To my friend Mr Meyer, believe, trust and remain focused, the rest will fall into place. Take it in your stride and I am hopeful you will lead the boys to glory. Once again, on behalf of Bafana Bafana, I join millions of South Africans in wishing the best to our Springboks. Go there (to England) and make the country proud,” added Mashaba.
The Bafana Bafana mentor will be visiting the squad at their hotel at prior to their departure where he will meet coach Meyer to personally convey his good luck message.
SA 2015 Rugby World Cup Group Stages Fixtures:
Saturday, 19 September
SA v Japan, Brighton
Saturday, 26 September
SA v Samoa, Birmingham
Saturday, 3 October
SA v Scotland, Newcastle upon Tyne
Wednesday, 7 October
SA v USA, London