South Africa faces Samoa in an intriguing clash in Albany, 8.30pm local time that will go a long way towards deciding the fate of Pool D. The defending champions have been in good form but need to be wary of a Samoan team that has recently beaten Australia; as in the unlikely event of a Samoan bonus point victory, the Springboks could potentially face their first ever pool-stage exit at a World Cup. Samoa and Wales both trail the Africans by four points going into the final round of pool play and both could qualify, although the two are more likely to duel for the remaining qualification spot. South Africa need just one more point to top the pool but first must negotiate the threat of a team that has been credited by some as the best collection of Samoan players ever formed.
South Africa welcome back Victor Matfield to captain a pack with a very physical look about it, a reaction perhaps to a dominating Samoan performance up front against Fiji. Regular leader John Smit earns a rest, with human wrecking ball Bismarck du Plessis starting at hooker alongside his brother Jannie and Sharks teammate Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira. The Springboks have once again lost Bakkies Botha to injury, giving Danie Rossouw an extended run in the side. Peter de Villiers has named what looks to be his preferred back-line, although expect to see the talented Jean de Villiers state his claim at some point from the bench upon his return from injury.
Samoa have tinkered with the squad that outclassed Fiji without making any dramatic changes. David Lemi replaces an injured Sailosi Tagicakibauon the wing, while Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu joins Seilala Mapusua to form a hard-hitting midfield combination. There are no changes to the starting forwards that performed with aplomb against Fiji; the Islanders need to gain parity at least with the daunting Springbok pack if Samoa have a chance in this game and consequently Titimaea Tafua has prepared for war up front by naming five forwards on the bench – three of which occupy front row positions.
Players to Watch:
Recalled Springbok wing JP Pietersen will be dreading a rampaging Alesana Tuilagi – who already has a hat-trick against African competition in the World Cup – after the Samoan treated Fijian flyer Vereniki Goneva last week with a kind of physical contempt not seen in Auckland since the glory days of Jonah Lomu.
Bismarck du Plessis will relish the physical nature expected of this encounter and always produces barnstorming performances in the Springbok jersey – expect no different from a man looking to steal a starting spot off the inspirational John Smit.
Samoa: 15 Paul Williams, 14 David Lemi, 13 Seilala Mapusua, 12 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Faasavalu, 6 Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (c), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Ole Avei, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Logovi’i Mulipola, 19 Ofisa Treviranus, 20 Filipo Lavea Levi, 21 Junior Poluleuligaga, 22 George Pisi.
South Africa: 15 Pat Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie Du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Jannie Du Plessis, 2 Bismarck Du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 John Smit, 17 Gurthrö Steenkamp, 18 CJ van der Linde, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 Francois Louw, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Jean De Villiers.