Loose-forward Duane Vermeulen is embracing his final days as a Springbok, but he is determined to make sure those behind him understand what the jersey means.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber emphatically set the record straight on the status of the Boks' Rugby World Cup squad of 33, before flying out of South Africa on Saturday.
His left knee will be far from his mind when Siya Kolisi leads out the Springboks at the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France.
The Springboks departed South Africa's shores on Saturday determined to make the country proud as they headed to Cardiff for the first stop on their way to France for the Rugby World Cup.
Malcolm Marx may be an obvious inclusion in the 33-man World Cup squad for France next month, but for the Springbok hooker, a call-up to the team is a privilege he does not take for granted.
Springbok newcomers Kurt-Lee Arendse and Grant Williams are both still pinching themselves as they try to come to terms with the fact that they are heading to the World Cup.