SOUTH Africa coach Heyneke Meyer has warned his charges that they need to up their game when they host Wales in Durban on Saturday, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Springboks warmed up for the two-Test series by beating a star-studded World XV 47-13, pulling away after leading just 18-13 at the break.

The invitational side caused them problems in the first 40 minutes, particularly up front and at the scrum.

They opened the scoring through Saracens lock Alistair Hargreaves and keeping the scoreboard ticking thanks to the right boot of Australian full-back James O'Connor.

But the Boks were too powerful after the restart with hooker Bismarck du Plessis (2), fly-half Johan Goosen and full-back Willie le Roux adding to first half tries by wing Bryan Habana and lock Bakkies Botha.

Meyer was pleased with the hit out in their first game of 2014 but knows that there is much work to do if they are to avoid a shock defeat at Kings Park Stadium.

"Wales will be well prepared," said Meyer. "They are a quality side with big backs which will give them go forward ball. They also played together in the Six Nations, while we are just starting out.

"This match was important to us, because we have to play together as a team to become better. I believe we are a very dangerous team when we play with quick ball and that was something that I was unhappy about at the break. I had some harsh words for the players about the penalties conceded in the first half.

"In the second half we applied ourselves better at the breakdown and we scored some very good tries. To score six tries against a side with the quality of this World XV is very pleasing."

South Africa have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the first Test.