'Love or hate me' Faf de Klerk refuses to change ahead of World Cup

The feisty scrumhalf with the flowing blond hair is one of rugby's most recognisable players and was key to the Springboks' World Cup triumph in Japan four years ago.

He is now playing for Yokohama Canon Eagles after leaving England's Sale Sharks last year and was one of nine Japan-based players on South Africa's tour of Europe last year.

De Klerk told AFP that Japan's comparatively shorter league season means he is feeling "much better off" physically and believes the Springboks will benefit at the World Cup in France this autumn.

"If you peak too early you will burn out," the 31-year-old said.

"I feel in a good spot considering when I was coming from Sale after a long season going into Springbok games, sort of just hanging on by a thread most weeks. I feel much better."

De Klerk will face Springbok team-mates Lood de Jager and Damian de Allende when Yokohama take on defending champions Saitama Wild Knights in the Japanese championship semi-finals this weekend.

Unlike many of rugby's top nations including England and New Zealand, South African players are allowed to represent their country while playing for clubs overseas.

The Springboks took players from clubs in Japan, France, Ireland and England, as well as South Africa, to Europe last autumn, and De Klerk believes the cosmopolitan mix gives them "a bit of an advantage".

"Playing styles are different in every competition," he said.

"When you can bring that all together and pull the best out of each competition, I think it's a very good thing."

South Africa narrowly lost to Ireland and France on their European tour, before thrashing Italy and beating England 27-13 at Twickenham.

Love and hate

The win sparked wild celebrations and pictures of De Klerk cavorting with the trophy