Els, Smit give Boks inspiration

London - The Springboks were given some pre-match inspiration on the eve of their final game of 2012 by two of the country's most famous sports stars.

Reigning British Open champion Ernie Els turned up with the claret jug at Twickenham on Friday during the Springboks' final training session ahead of their Test against England.

Also present was John Smit, South Africa's Rugby World Cup-winning captain from 2007 who handed out the jerseys to the players.

Smit told the Springboks to "embrace" the pressure and "privilege you have of pulling that green and gold jersey over your head and representing millions of South Africans."

Els owns a house in nearby Wentworth, the headquarters of the European Tour.