Mapimpi became the first South African to score a try in a World Cup final when he crossed the wihtewash in the Boks‘ win over England in Japan in 2019 and is amongst his country’s leading try-scorers at international level as he scored 30 tries in 45 Test appearances .

Despite his excellent try-scoring record, the 34-year-old lost his spot in the Boks’ first choice starting line-up to Kurt-Lee Arendse, who is another prolific try-scorer.

And Mapimpi believes his age will count against him by the time the global showpiece comes around in Australia in 2027.

‘I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make another World Cup’

“I think I’m good now, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make another World Cup. I’m not saying I won’t, but I don’t think so,” Mapimpi told reporters in Edinburgh.

“There are a lot of players that have come in now, and it’s a good thing for the team. There is going to be generation after generation, and for me, it’s about assisting the players, especially if I’m not playing.”

Despite his advancing years, Mapimpi is still determined to give his all for his country at international level.

“I want to keep at this level until I retire,” he added. “I don’t want to disappoint myself and the coaches as well.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash with Scotland, Mapimpi is wary of the Boks’ opponents particularly their South African-born speedster Duhan van der Merwe, who could be Mapimpi’s direct opponent.

“Duhan has been playing good rugby,” said Mapimpi. “I’ve been watching him play for Edinburgh in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, and we’ve faced one another a few times. He’s definitely a great player.”

Mapimpi is looking forward to the Boks’ tour, which also includes Tests against England and Wales, and is happy with the team’s preparations ahead of their tour opener against the Scots.

‘We are really looking forward to the weekend’

“We had a good training week in Jersey, and it’s also been going well so far in Edinburgh this week, so we are really looking forward to the weekend,” he said.

Mapimpi was in fine form when South Africa and Scotland faced off in the corresponding fixture at Murrayfield as he crossed for two tries in the Boks’ 30-15 triumph but played down his performance in that clash.

“That was three years ago, so it doesn’t have much significance for me going into this match,” he said. “Playing here is always tough, and it’s a little cooler here than in South Africa, which adds to the challenge, but we are excited about the match.”