South Africa ready for the USA in Rugby World Cup

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7 October 2015

In the last of the Springbok’s Pool B Group match, South Africa faces off against the USA today. The match will be aired on TV at 5.45pm.

After a somewhat unsuccessful start to their Rugby World Cup journey, losing against Japan 32-34, the Springboks redeemed themselves when they thumped Samoa – winning 46-6, and subsequently beating Scotland 34-16.

See South Africans celebrating after the win over Scotland:


Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has remained optimistic. “I’m a very, very positive person,” he said of the comeback following the unexpected loss to Japan. “I believe everything is possible, and I’ve been in situations where I’ve lost every single game and come back and won trophies. The guys know it’s possible. A lot of these guys have done it before.”

Watch South Africans playing their part and supporting the national team:

Watch a few South Africans pick their favourites from the team:

Good sportsmanship

Meyer has also praised the American team. “You have to stay humble and respect every single opponent,” he said. “USA have shown they are a world-class team. They’re very difficult to play against, very physical, a lot of big, strong forwards and great runners in midfield.

“Because it’s a short turnaround (from the Scotland game), there’s not much time to train and prepare, so why not go with some sort of continuity but also with some fresh guys on the bench.”

The team to tackle the USA

Meyer has made only two changes to his team who defeated Scotland on 3 October.

Frans Malherbe will start at tighthead prop in place of Jannie du Plessis and Lwazi Mvovo comes in at 11. Bryan Habana shifts to right wing.

These are players who will go up against the Americans:

  1. Tendai Mtawarira
  2. Bismarck du Plessis
  3. Frans Malherbe
  4. Eben Etzebeth
  5. Lodewyk de Jager
  6. Francois Louw
  7. Schalk Burger
  8. Duane Vermeulen
  9. Fourie du Preez (captain)
  10. Handre Pollard
  11. Lwazi Mvovo
  12. Damian de Allende
  13. Jesse Kriel
  14. Bryan Habana
  15. Willie le Roux

Burger will make his 17th appearance in a World Cup match, and Du Preez will captain the Springboks for the second time in his Test career.

SouthAfrica.info reporter