Wellington: There are "five or six" sides that could win the rugby World Cup, the Webb Ellis Cup, and the team that handles the pressure the best will come out on top, Springboks lock Johann Muller said.
"I think this is going to be an unbelievable World Cup," the 31-year-old said in Wellington yesterday. "There are five or six sides who can win it.
"World Cups are different. It's a one-off thing. There are no second chances, the team that creates the most and does not worry about all the pressure around this tournament will come out on top."
Muller, who was in South Africa's World Cup winning squad in 2007, was brought back from the international wilderness this season after playing for Northern Irish side Ulster.
He was cautious when asked about how his team felt about Wales coach Warren Gatland's comments their conservative game plan meant they "did not play rugby".
"I think every guy has an opinion. We obviously don't share that view," Muller said of Gatland's comments made ahead of their opening Pool D encounter on Sunday in Wellington.
Good side
"We know what is coming. The Welsh have a really good side and had a great build-up to the World Cup with a couple of great wins.
"They only thing we worry about is to be well prepared for Sunday. We know what we want to do and I think thats the only thing that matters to us."
Muller said he had not found it difficult to slot back into the national team set-up, despite not having played for the Springboks since their series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2009. "It wasn't tough at all," Muller said of his return, which came shortly after being named Ulster's captain for the next European season.
"I think that's the great thing about it, we have got players from all over the globe playing in this group," he added of the influence of players like himself, scrum-half Ruan Pienaar and Francois Steyn, who have plied their trade in Europe.
"Every tournament has a different style and a different environment and if we can all add to the greater goal that will be great.
"I have learned a hell of a lot over the last season abroad and I have come back, I wouldn't say a better player but a more experienced player.
"I have learned so much over the last 12 months and if I can pass on that knowledge I will be very happy."
The Springboks have been drawn in a tough Pool D with Gatland's Wales, Pacific nations Samoa and Fiji and Namibia.
