Experience will count - Bismarck

Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis believes their experience will have an important influence on the team during the World Cup.

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Johannesburg - Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis believes their experience will have an important influence on the team during the Rugby World Cup.

The Springboks named their most experienced team ever ahead of their tournament opener against Japan on Saturday.

With three centurions in the starting line-up - captain Jean de Villiers, wing Bryan Habana and lock Victor Matfield - South Africa boasts a total of 880 Test caps.

Du Plessis, who has featured at two previous World Cups in 2007 and 2011, believes this experience will play an important role during the team's journey.

“I learned a lot from previous World Cups. Looking back to my first Rugby World Cup in 2007, I was lucky that I had guys like Os du Randt and John Smit next to me,” Du Plessis explained from South Africa's team base in England.

“I fed off them. I would ask what to expect during the tournament and what it feels like.You see, World Cups are different compared to the usual routine. Normally, you'd play three or four Tests during the season, then return to your franchise or club for Super Rugby or other competitions.

“At the World Cup, you need to play seven hard Tests in a short turnaround time if you want to win the tournament. After the pool stages, the pressure increases and spaces get tighter. This is where experience is vital. Knowing what to expect and preparing for those situations.” - African News Agency (ANA).