South African rugby captain Corne Krige and coach Rudolph Straeuli on Monday said the World Cup side had benefited from the racism controversy that threatened to tear it apart. "Throughout it all the team have stuck together really well and supported me," Krige said in Fremantle, the squad's training base. "We have become a closer-knit family than we have ever been before. "That makes it easy for me -- and there is a lot of satisfaction in the fact that, over and above all the things happening around us, the team can still focus on what is really important -- that's rugby. "It's been tough, but it's also been very satisfying." South Africa's preparations for the 20-nation event were thrown into chaos early last month when white player Geo Cronje declined to room with a black player, Quinton Davids. Cronje was withdrawn from the squad, and highly regarded judge Edwin King was appointed to examine allegations of racism. Straeuli said: "We've had a lot of issues that have been in the media, but like any other proud rugby nation we now want to get on with it. "We are also very proud that we have handled these issues, and that we have dealt with them, and not just brushed them aside." Straeuli said his squad had great respect for Uruguay, their opponents on Saturday in the Springboks' opening clash of the tournament. "They will be very passionate and we are just focusing on them this week," he said. He said he was not yet thinking about England, the favorites, whom South Africa will face a week later. "We know we are the underdogs in this tournament, and we have to take it step by step," he said. "We will have a strong team out there against Uruguay." Krige repeated that South Africa would adopt a physical approach in their games. "Traditionally, that's our strength, and though there have been mistakes in the past when we have overstepped the mark, that's been sorted out. "But we will remain a physical side, and we will keep playing that way. "There has been a huge focus on discipline in the side, and I am sure it's going to be good for the World Cup." Springboks manager Gideon Sam said former South African president Nelson Mandela had spoken to players at a farewell lunch last week and urged them to be an inspiration for South Africans of all colors. "The message in his address to us was for us to understand what happened in 1995 (when South Africa won the World Cup at home) to a young democracy. "The whole country will be looking at this campaign and a good result here will let us re-live those days of 1995," Sam said. Krige said Mandela had promised to meet the team at the airport if they brought back the Webb Ellis Trophy. He said the team had been moved by his words and presence at the lunch. "It was just great to see him, and the aura he brings around the team," Krige said. "It is a huge inspiration, I think he is one of the most respected men in the world, if not the most respected."