GROS ISLET, April 24: Former Australia skipper Ian Chappell believes the world champions scare opponents even before a match begins and that South Africa must conquer those fears if they are to win Wednesday's World Cup semi-final.

Chappell said that South Africa need to win the toss at Beausejour Stadium and set the world champions a decent total if they are to have any hope of reaching their first ever World Cup final.

“Every batting team seems to fear Australia and never comes after them,” said Chappell.

“But Australia will be delighted they are facing South Africa because their bowling suits them. The South African attack is one-dimensional and the Aussies like to bully the opposition during the first 10 overs so that bowling side is defending from that point on.

“You have to try and limit the damage the top three of Hayden, Gilchrist and Ponting can do.”

Chappell said that the best hope for Graeme Smith's side, who have already lost to Ricky Ponting's men by 85 runs in the group stages, is to bat first.

“If South Africa win the toss they should bat and build a total,” he said.

“Smith and A.B. de Villiers tannned the Australian attack (160-run opening partnership in St Kitts) and they need to repeat that.

“South Africa have batting down the middle and have the ability to post a big target. But if Australia bat first, South Africa will struggle to contain them. I see Australia winning.”—AFP