Boks have come a long way - Schalk

The Springboks started the World Cup off on the worst possible foot as they lost to minnows Japan 34-33 in the opening match. It heaped pressure on the Boks, who then had to switch into a knockout rugby mentality earlier than they would have liked to progress into the playoffs.

Burger, who is at his fourth World Cup, said their loss to Japan really was a massive shock to the system.

"To be honest the two weeks after Japan were probably the toughest I've had in a Springbok jersey and I've been here for 13-years," Burger said.

"There was a lot of introspection, our backs were against the wall. South African media is pretty ruthless so it wasn't easy being a Springbok after we lost to Japan. But I think it brought the team closer together, I think we understand the way we want to play and how we want to win matches."

The Springboks 23-19 win over Wales on the weekend setup a crunch clash with the All Blacks in the semi-finals - with Burger picking up the man of the match award. Burger has hit a rich vein of form in the competition and said he was happy to be playing good rugby.

"In South Africa if you're 32, you're ancient aren't you," the Bok veteran joked.

"I haven't been feeling that old so obviously it's lovely to be out here, it's big stage at Twickenham, an amazing venue in front of 83 000 people so you try and play your best every game. It was really nice to get out of there and get a man of the match award," Burger said.

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