Mtawarira backs Boks to safely negotiate tough pool at World Cup

The two northern hemisphere nations are the only unbeaten sides left in the Six Nations and are sitting pretty at the top of the Championship's standings after two rounds.

They are set to face South Africa in Pool B encounters at the global showpiece, with the clash between the world champions and Ireland - currently the top-ranked side in the world - set to be one of the highlights of the tournament.

Although that is a daunting prospect, Mtawarira is not too worried about it and said the Boks' much-vaunted physicality will pave the way to victory.

"You must know, as a Bok, you are going to have to play your best game when you play against Ireland and Scotland. It is a fight," he told Independent Media.

"Those teams have been building a lot of momentum over the last couple of years.

"Scotland has had an injection of South African players as well, and they have been getting better. Ireland has been the No 1 team over the last few years.

"When we play them, we are going to have to bring our best. It can't just be another game.

"There is no fear. As a Bok player, I never feared Ireland because I believe they can never deliver what we deliver physically.

"Our set-pieces are going to be key... but we should never fear them, not a chance."