
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:
#Habashwe#SouthAfricans celebrating after the #SAvsSCO game in @NUFC@SkyNews@sapeople@SABCNewsOnline < href=”https://twitter.com/Brand_SA”>@Brand_SApic.twitter.com/stziYy6CAf
— Pumela Salela (@pumelasalela) October 3, 2015
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:
- Tendai Mtawarira
- Bismarck du Plessis
- Frans Malherbe
- Eben Etzebeth
- Lodewyk de Jager
- Francois Louw
- Schalk Burger
- Duane Vermeulen
- Fourie du Preez (captain)
- Handre Pollard
- Lwazi Mvovo
- Damian de Allende
- Jesse Kriel
- Bryan Habana
- Willie le Roux
#RSA name a strong team to face #USA on Wednesday, making two changes from the starting XV that beat #SCO#RSAvUSApic.twitter.com/GJ4PySLTst
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 5, 2015
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.
Schalk Burger will make his 17th #RWC appearance, equalling the #RSA record of 17 by ex-captain @JohnSmit123#RSAvUSApic.twitter.com/qhCG9DaI1R
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 5, 2015
HABANA WATCH: @BryanHabana is 3⃣ tries behind @JONAHTALILOMU‘s RWC record – will he get closer against #USA? #RWC2015pic.twitter.com/bWLAnFB3JR
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 5, 2015
SouthAfrica.info reporter