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Boks won't change anything

Taupo - What worked against Fiji last week, when South Africa played a more fluent passing game, should also work against Namibia, Springbok hooker Mahlatse "Chiliboy" Ralepelle said on Tuesday.

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"Our goals may differ game by game, but I guess the most important thing that we try to do is to keep to our structures and to do what works for us, so I don’t think we are going to change anything from last week," Ralepelle said.

The Bulls frontrower, who has previously captained the Springboks, could make his World Cup debut if asked to take over from skipper John Smit during the team's third match of the tournament in Auckland on Thursday.

Ralepelle said he looked forward to the opportunity of playing at the highest level and was eager to get out on the pitch.

While not the flashiest of players, Ralepelle has been one of the most consistent hookers in South African rugby as far as ruck cleans, lineout-throws and general work rate on the field are concerned.

Heading into this week's challenge against South Africa's neighbours, he said the title holders could not afford to take their foot off the pedal against the minnows.

"What we are going to try and do is to apply the same pressure to the Namibian side and hopefully get good momentum and go forward, which is what is needed in rugby, and build it from there," Ralepelle said.

He will need to get used to playing next to loosehead prop Gurthro Steenkamp and tighthead CJ van der Linde, but the number two was not concerned about cohesion in the front row.

"Being in the system for quite some time, I've managed to work with CJ on and off the field," Ralepelle said.

"So I don't think our timing or anything like that is going to be an issue."

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