MCG a home game for India: Donald

A destructive batting order will need to be defused and a near-capacity MCG crowd will be almost impossible to silence.

South Africa will enjoy a World Cup final dress rehearsal on Sunday, when they face India in a match likely to decide which team tops Pool B.

All going to plan the Proteas will return to Melbourne for the tournament decider on March 29.

Bowling coach Allan Donald noted the squad had not given any thought to any game beyond the weekend.

"If it (finals) bring us back here that's great. It means we've played cricket out of our socks," Donald said.

"We're concentrating on Sunday. That really is all that matters."

However, Donald admitted there was something unique about the venue and his players would relish the occasion.

"You just have to walk out there, (even when) these stands are empty it's an intimidating place," Donald said.

"It's a home game for India.

"There's going up to (almost) 100,000 people here and there is going to be a lot of Indian support, so keeping the crowd quiet is going to be a big thing.

"It's a massive game: South Africa v India, MCG ... this is why we play for our country."

Donald is taking part in his sixth World Cup - four as a player and two as a coach.

"To not be able to walk away with a medal is a bit of a sour one, but I've got no regrets," said Donald, part of the Proteas' famous mix-up between the wickets that ended their 1999 World Cup semi-final.

"Hopefully this time around there's something waiting, but we're very patient about that process.

"It's just an awesome time to be around this team. I'm very privileged ... I love World Cups. They're such amazing events."

Dale Steyn bowled at full intensity in the MCG nets on Friday, confirming he is over a bout of sinusitis and will be right to charge in against the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

India had a session at Junction Oval on Friday, with team management insisting offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin and swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar are fit.