The Springboks ran in eight tries against an injury-hit Wales during a display that featured sharp interplay by their backs as well as the forward strength that has long been a hallmark of South African rugby.

But thanks to a draw that took place several years before the start of the upcoming World Cup in France, South Africa find themselves in arguably the toughest pool of the tournament alongside top-ranked Ireland and fast-improving Scotland.

And should the Springboks reach the quarter-finals they will face another huge challenge, with either tournament hosts France or arch-rivals New Zealand their likely opponents and Nienaber has reiterated that they should treat every game as a knockout match.

"We have to get better in France, we are on the side of the draw that is knockout from game one as just to get out of the pool, we have to be on form," Nienaber said.

Nienaber is also glad that captain Siya Kolisi made a resounding return to the team against Wales after he was out of action from April 2023 due to tearing his anterior cruciate ligament.

The Springboks begin their title defence in pool B against Scotland on the 10th of September before entertaining Romania on the 17th of September.

With Ireland and Tonga next on the 23rd of September and the 1st of October respectively, Nienaber's charges will seek to end the pool on a high note in order to progress to the knockout phase of the tournament.