Jamie Roberts was man of the match against New Zealand © Getty Images

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Jamie Roberts says he has dusted himself down from last week's bruising encounter against New Zealand and is ready to take on the Springboks at the Millennium Stadium.

Roberts was unable to run for four days after a bulldozing, man-of-the-match display but is among 12 who have retained their places.

"It has taken about four or five days to recover. It was car-crash stuff at the weekend," said Roberts.

"I take anti-inflammatory medication before most games now just to reduce the swelling in the knees and ankles, and so forth.

"It kind of numbs most things during the game, and when the effect wears off ... usually the day after the game you feel alright, but it's after that. Monday and Tuesday are pretty horrific.

"It's a bit different when you are 21, compared to 28. When you are a bit younger you could probably run a marathon the day after a rugby game, but any player will tell you the same.

"That's why we do recovery sessions. We trust the medics, the conditioning coaches and the recovery process."

Asked if he worried about his body and any long-term impact, Roberts added: "Sometimes. I have to enjoy the present - that is what it's about. I will worry about that when my career finishes.

"It's tough, but I will be 100% come Saturday. That is all that matters."

Wales haven't beaten South Africa, New Zealand or Australia since November 2008, when Australia lost 21-18 in Cardiff.

Overall, under Wales head coach Warren Gatland, Wales have played 27 and lost 26 against the southern hemisphere superpowers.

"This weekend is all about mindset. The hard work is done, the boys are used to playing at that intensity now and the structures are in place," Roberts said.

"It's about turning up on Saturday, and certainly against a team like the Springboks you have to front-up against these guys.

"We are all completely gutted about last Saturday, but it's also a bit of a wake-up call to the level that we need to get to. You can do all the training you want, but unless you test yourself against the best, that's why I like playing the best.

"It's like in any walk of life. When you come up against the best in any job, you know you have to raise your game.

"It is the last game of the season for South Africa and they will not want to go three or four months away from rugby having lost the last game of their tour. It's going to be a brutal Test match."