Rugby World Cup 2015: Jannie du Plessis draws on IndyCar psychologists ahead of NZ semi-final

Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis has drawn on IndyCar psychologists and the two drummers 'in sync' style of American heavy metal band The Melvins, as he prepares to face the All Blacks in the World Cup semi-final at Twickenham on Sunday morning.

If South Africa are anything like as varied and broad-minded as the 32-year-old qualified doctor from Free State farming stock when they take on the tournament favourites, then it will be a rousing contest.

Du Plessis has been the mainstay of the Springboks side, along with his brother and fellow front-rower, Bismarck, who is nursing a gashed hand, for the last decade. His experience and worldly wisdom will be invaluable as the Springboks confront their fiercest rivals for a place in the final.

Du Plessis knows how important it is for the Springboks to take the field with a self-confidence born of years of competing on almost level terms with New Zealand, and not to be inhibited or fearful of error against the most potent counter-¬attacking and predatory side in world rugby.

"It is like the clever guy that worked with the IndyCar drivers, who were asked what happened when they lost control, and they told themselves, 'Don't go into the wall, don't go into the wall, don't go into the wall', and, of course that is what did happen," Du Plessis said.

"In sport, you have to think of the outcome you want to happen, not the outcome you don't want to happen. The All Blacks can score five tries in 10 minutes if you make mistakes. So don't worry about mistakes, about dropping the ball or giving away a penalty, just concentrate on where you want to be at the end of the day.

"It is like a friend of mine told me about The Melvins - not my type of music, it would scare your kids - but they lay a good foundation for the band by using two drummers at the same time. It is about what works for you, about being in sync and laying good foundations. "

The Springboks have the best record of any side against the All Blacks. New Zealand's win ratio is 59 per cent against them, 70 per cent against Australia and more than 80 per cent against any other team. The All Blacks have hit a run of form against South Africa, winning 10 of their last 12 encounters, though they lost last year in Johannesburg.

New Zealand were imperious against France on Saturday night in Cardiff, running in nine tries in their 62-13 win. "New Zealand didn't just stick the knife in, they put it in and turned it and the French felt the full wrath," said Du Plessis, who will be vying with Frans Malherbe for the starting shirt on Saturday. The team are named on Wednesday, with the Springboks monitoring injuries to Bismarck du Plessis, lock Lood de Jager, who has a tendon problem in his foot, and -veteran Victor Matfield, whose hamstring injury ruled him out against Wales.