Victor Matfield says the future of South African rugby is in safe hands after seeing a number of younger players make their mark at the Rugby World Cup.

The Springboks' challenge was ended by a 20-18 defeat to New Zealand in the semi-finals on Saturday, bringing the curtain down on a campaign  that began with a humiliating defeat to Japan.

With captain Jean de Villiers and Matfield among those to have restricted roles due to injury, the likes of Handre Pollard, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Lood de Jager and Eben Etzebeth - all 23 or under - have stepped up to inspire South Africa's run to the last four.

Asked by Omnisport to comment on the Springboks' prospects for the future, 2007 World Cup winner Matfield said: "We said it in the changing room, there are some great young players here that have a fantastic future. We'll win more World Cups.

"We have a few guys in this team that's had the taste of victory at the World Cup but I think they'll have it as well in the future."

Matfield, 38, accepts he will not be around to play alongside those rising stars, but hopes to sign off with a victory in the World Cup third-place play-off on Friday.

"For me it's probably the last game and I think there's quite a few guys in the team whose last game that will be," he explained.

"I think all of us would like to win our last game in a Springbok jersey, so we'll be up for it."

Reflecting on the Springboks' showing at this year's World Cup, Matfield added: "Test rugby is just what it says - a test. Yes, we had a bad game against Japan, but I think the whole squad showed a lot of character.

"We stuck together, we came back and we really believed we would win this World Cup.

"Unfortunately [on Saturday], just two points were the difference."