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Cape Town - For the fourth match in a row, the Springboks will face a team that either has Afrikaans speakers or South African-born coaches or players in the squad.
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This time the Boks are likely to face Lappies Labuschagne, the former Cheetahs and Bulls loose forward with whom Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen will be teaming up in a few months.
"Lappies is among the top four tacklers in the tournament at the moment so it’s going to be tough for us," said Vermeulen.
"Japan have world-class players and guys that are earning respect in-and-out every week.
"Some of the guys are a bit younger but they are building in character in their career, while Michael Leitch has been around the block a couple of seasons and has been part of teams that have lifted Super Rugby trophies.
"Lappies was also a young guy coming up when I played. He’s a really good guy, actually knows and understands the game really well and I think it’s fantastic to see him in a Japanese jersey and representing Japan and getting an opportunity to play at a World Cup.
"It’s going to be fun out there, coming up against your team-mate - because in a few months I’ll be teaming up with him against the likes of Michael Leitch and other guys.
"It’s going to fun and a good challenge and I’m pretty much looking forward to it."
Vermeulen will be joining Labuschagne at the Kubota Spears at the end of the tournament.
