Springbok coach Jake White is after "an emotional farewell gift" from his side when it takes on Wales in his final test match on Saturday.

"The players fully understand that this will be the last test in which I will be involved as Springbok coach," White said.

"I do not want to sound emotional or put pressure on the players. I do not want to say this is payback day. But I hope for an emotional thank you," White said.

Victory at the Millennium Stadium would be "just about who we are, what we have achieved and how close we have been together as a team.

"I am sure John Smit's captain's message to the players will be that this is the last test of the year."

Smit, who played for his new French club Clermont on Sunday, will join the squad on today.

"This year has been the most successful in the history of South African rugby, and not only because of the World Cup," White said. "We won 13 matches. The players would not like to disappoint their supporters and themselves now."

The Springboks are missing 12 players who were involved in the World Cup including Percy Montgomery, Victor Matfield and Danie Rossouw.

However, White says the players to fill the gaps should provide a fresh source of energy.

"The newcomers have experienced how special the squad is. There is excitement because we are touring as World Cup champions."

Derick Coetzee, who is in charge of conditioning, has said uncapped players such as Wian du Preez, Barend Pieterse, Ryan Kankowski and Heinke van der Merwe were training flat out with the side and keen as mustard to wear the Springbok jersey.

More than 40, 000 tickets have already been sold for the match.