BOKS TARGET THE TEMPO

BEWARE: JAPAN'S SPEED AT THE BREAKDOWN MUST BE SHUT DOWN FAST

- Nicholas Zaal

As much as Japan’s set-piece has improved over the years, the Springboks say the breakdown will be key come their Test at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

The teams clash in the Springboks’ first end-of-year tour match in London (kickoff 6.10pm), before games against France, Italy, Ireland and Wales over the following weeks.

With seven wins from 9 Test matches so far this year, the Springboks have expressed the need to start their tour well, to secure confidence going into the last stretch of their season

South Africa and Japan have not played each other in six years. In just three encounters, the Boks have had the better of their rivals twice.