The years 2010 and 2011 will both be big World Cup occasions for South Africa. The year after next,  in particular, is huge and sees South Africa hosting the FIFA Football World Cup. The buzz and build-up to this African extravaganza is electric and Springbok rugby fans are convinced this infectious hype will benefit their Rugby World Cup campaign the following year in New Zealand.

Football is the biggest sport in South Africa and judging by the way the country has rallied around its previous successes in international sports, it's pretty certain their home side, the Bafana Bafana, are going to be a force not to be underestimated. Previous football World Cups have witnessed the home nation surge to greater heights and currently the South African team is building and shaping nicely.

The prospects for the Springboks look great. Buoyed by the FIFA extravaganza at home, the Springboks will certainly be super-inspired for their campaign for a third Webb Ellis trophy in New Zealand.

The Springboks, now nicknamed the Trophymasters with an incredible 50% win ratio in World Cup competitions, are among the favourites to pull off another victory on the All Blacks' home soil. As challengers go, South Africa are the team most likely to pip Australia and New Zealand. Not many teams have the same exposure to New Zealand and their Tri-Nations and Super 14 rugby experience will certainly place them ahead of Northern Hemisphere contenders.

The renewal of the Springbok camp under new coach Peter De Villiers is seen as strategic. While New Zealand's Graham Henry persists with an aging squad, the fresh-blood approach of the Springboks might be telling. With Experimental Law Variations about to launched in Test rugby, the younger Springboks may again be the more dynamic team.

Whatever the shape of the squad, and whatever happens post 2007 Rugby World Cup,  the Springboks will be infused with extra vitality by their football comrades and the giant show in South Africa in 2010.