Springboks gear up for US Eagles
Judging by the team chosen to take on the USA tomorrow, it's clear the Springboks mean business.
David Rush, South Coast Herald
It is just about a full-strength side, very similar to the one which beat Scotland 34-16 last Saturday.
While coach Heyneke Meyer may have been tempted to rest a few players, the need for them to get game time is more urgent.
That and the fact that he obviously isn’t taking anything for granted, even after two reasonably solid performances.
Which, for fans, is reassuring. And we need a lot of that.
At the moment, things are looking a little brighter.
A probable quarter-final against Wales looms. That is probably the least scary option.
However, the Boks need to have the mindset of believing that can beat whoever crosses their path.
Not trying to avoid the form or bigger name teams. That has to be a recipe for defeat.
Interestingly, it seems the Boks are now looming as dark horses. Whereas they were the laughing stock of the rugby universe a few weeks ago, that is no longer the case.
And if the Boks can just keep their cool and avoid too many penalties, and no cards, they will be a threat.
Oh yes, and have all their players last the tournament in match-fit condition. That would be nice.
TEAM
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Fourie du Preez (capt), 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Schalk Burger (vice-captain), 6 Francois Louw, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Substitutes: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 20 Willem Alberts, 21 Rudy Paige, 22 Morne Steyn, 23 Jan Serfontein.
