Herschelle Gibbs cast aside a disappointing cricket series on Wednesday to spur South Africa to an eight wicket win as well as a 3-1 series victory over Sri Lanka at the De Beers Oval.

Gary Kirsten was thrown a World Cup lifeline when he was named in the South African cricket team that will be captained by Mark Boucher for the first Test against Bangladesh at Buffalo Park in East London from Friday.

Springbok rugby coach Rudolph Straeuli singled out Brent Russell for particular praise after the diminutive flyhalf played a pivotal role in spurring the Springboks to a heart-stopping 33-31 win over Australia.

Test debutant Craig Davidson charged down a desperate clearance kick to score in the corner and secure a 19-8 win for the Springboks over Wales at a miserable Newlands on Saturday.