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Raise Your Game: There's a huge amount of pressure now on South Africa as Rugby World Cup champions. How do you deal with that pressure?

Ryan Kankowski: Looking at the World Cup, I'd say the guys have really pulled together as a team and as a great bunch of friends. If anyone does have a problem you've always got your friends around you to turn to.

RYG: How important is it to be focused and committed?

RK: It's a huge part of the game. Focusing is your job. If you want to be a professional player I believe focusing on what you've got to do is one of the most important things and I'd say you should keep working at it.

RYG: What makes a good team player?

RK: It's about being able to mingle with your friends in and out of the team and playing the game together. Everyone in the South African team is a great team player.

RYG: Do you think that's the key to becoming a successful team?

RK: Definitely. If you speak to anyone who's played in a successful team they'll tell you that it's all about the bonding. They'll always say their team is like a family and that's what this team is. It's become a family of a great bunch of guys.

RYG: What has it taken for you to get to this point in your career?

RK: Lots of hard work! Playing for the Sharks has taught me that it's about training hard and learning from the experienced players and staff along the way. There are always guys telling you what to do but I think it's about taking those important bits and pieces that you think will help your game and continue working at it.

RYG: What's the difference between a good and a great player?

RK: I think a good player can perform on and off but a great player is always there and will always keep performing game after game, time after time and will never lose their head on or off the field. That's what I'd say defines a great player!

RYG: What advice would you give to any youngsters out there looking to be future World Cup champions?

RK: Dream big and just go for it! I wasn't even in the 15 man game a year and a half ago as I was busy playing sevens. All it takes is one opportunity, and it's about being ready for that opportunity when it comes about. I had my chance and it just took off from there, so just keep working hard as you'll never know when your chance will come.