Jean de Villiers feels the force of Quentin Geldenhuys of Italy © Getty Images

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South Africa captain Jean de Villiers says his team will treat Saturday's clash with Wales in Cardiff like a World Cup final and believes it is must-win game,

South Africa beat New Zealand in Johannesburg last month and came second in the Rugby Championship. So far on tour they've lost to Ireland and beaten England and Italy.

"This is a very important game for us," De Villiers said. "The success of the year will be determined by the result tomorrow, and also our preparation going into a World Cup will definitely take a backward step if we don't get a good result.

"We have only got five games left before the (2015) World Cup. Our focus is only on tomorrow's game and what we need to improve on, because we have got quite a lot we need to improve on. Wales have got a lot to prove as well. This game is like a World Cup final as it's a must-win. We need to put in a good performance."

Wales have not beaten South Africa since 1999 and are on a horrible run against the southern hemisphere's big teams - Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - with just one win in 27 matches since Warren Gatland became coach seven years ago.The includes a run of 22 straight defeats.

"The same things are on the line, as they are every other time you put the Springboks jersey on," De Villiers said. "The responsibility is there to represent your country and represent it with pride, and we are facing a quality side with something to prove, which makes the challenge greater. Wales have been pretty good. Sometimes you can just get caught into the results and, certainly, we have been in that position as well, where we have played good rugby and not been winning.

"You have to put everything into perspective and look at all their facets of play. They almost beat us in South Africa (five months ago), and we are under no illusions it's going to be a heck of a tough Test. There will be pressure for both teams, and who will be able to make the big plays in the difficult times in the game. There will be crucial times when you do need to deliver, and I am confident in the guys we have selected in the back-line and forwards. They have proven themselves before."