The South African team of Izak van der Merwe, Raven Klaasen, Rik de Voest and untested Nikala Scholtz remain upbeat ahead of their do-or-die tie with the highly favoured Canadian team in Montreal starting today.

Canadian captain Martin Leurendeau has selected a strong team, comprising top players Daniel Nestor, Milos Raonic, Vasek Pospisil and Frank Dancevic.

The winner of the tie will join the other top 15 nations in the World Group.

Said Izak van der Merwe: "We have played against some of them before and we know we have to win three matches at the weekend to go through. It will be a tough challenge, but we are up for it. We have won many Davis Cup ties in the last few years and we know we can win three matches this week."

Debutant Scholtz isn' t fazed by his lack of Davis Cup experience.

"It doesn't matter where or who you play, there is always pressure. I have a great group of senior guys, but I'm ready to go and excited to represent my country," said Scholtz.

Matches for the weekend will see the singles rubbers being played today, the doubles tomorrow and the reverse singles on Sunday.