South Africa are focusing on their upcoming Rugby World Cup match against Namibia even though they are now on track to face Australia in the quarter finals.
The Springboks face Namibia in Auckland on Thursday and they hope to have line out specialist Victor Matfield back from injury.
Dr Roberts says he is “very happy” with Matfield’s progress after intensive rehabilitation on his injured hamstring.
“We’re not going to rush him back, obviously it’s a long tournament and we want to make sure he’s at his best for that,” he said.
The Springboks made it throufh their 49-3 win over Fiji in Wellington on Saturday without picking up any further injuries which is in contrast to the match against Wales where they lost Matfield, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana and Butch James.
Backs coach Dick Muir said he was pleased with the performance against Fiji as the Springboks are gaining some momentum.
“We went into this campaign a little underdone and we wanted to show some steady improvement,” Muir said.
“It’s a tournament where you build up momentum and you want to continue with that.
“We’ve had two very physical hit-outs (against Wales and Fiji) and I expect it’s going to be exactly the same against Namibia, and following that Samoa.”
Initial thought was NO!!! don’t play him against Namibia we need him for later, but if Matfield is ready then yes maybe it is a better idea to ease him back into the game against Namibia than have him try regain match fitness against Samoa which is bound to be a far more physical affair.