Meyer rings changes to Springboks XV after Japan defeat
South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer has made eight changes to the Springboks side beaten by Japan as they prepare to meet Samoa.
Heyneke Meyer has shaken up his South Africa starting XV as he looks to bounce back from a shock Rugby World Cup defeat to Japan against Samoa on Saturday.
The two-time champions' 34-32 opening reverse last weekend was one of the biggest shocks in the sport's history and Meyer has reacted by bringing eight new faces into his starting line-up.
Five of those are among the backs, with half-backs Ruan Pienaar and Pat Lambie both dropped to the bench to be replaced by Fourie Du Preez and Handre Pollard respectively.
There are also changes in the pack, as hooker Adriaan Strauss, lock Eben Etzebeth and back row Duane Vermeulen all earn their first starts of the competition.
Of those dropped by Meyer, only four make the bench for the clash at Villa Park – Jessie Kriel, Lood De Jager, Pienaar and Lambie – while the rest are not involved at all.
"It's been a very tough week after the massive disappointment of last weekend and we owe our supporters a winning performance on Saturday," said Meyer.
"The last few days have been a time for retrospection and the team this week has been selected specifically with Samoa in mind, as we know we’ll have to be at our very best to succeed.
"They will pose a massive challenge and I think it’s fair to say that it’s the biggest game of the season for us. They have a very strong team with players plying their trade all over the world.
"Four years ago in the World Cup pool match in New Zealand, the Samoans pushed the Boks close and we’re expecting more of the same this weekend. It will be brutally physical and we have to be 100 per cent focused and ready."
Even though changes have been made, the selected XV boast 891 caps between them, breaking a Springboks record for the second game in succession.
South Africa team in full: Willie Le Roux, JP Pietersen, Jean De Villiers, Damian De Allende, Bryan Habana, Handre Pollard, Fourie De Preez; Tendai Mtawarira, Adriaan Strauss, Jannie Du Plessis, Eben Etzebeth, Victor Matfield, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: Schalk Brits, Trevor Nyakanae, Frans Malherbe, Lood De Jager, Siya Kolisi, Ruan Pienaar, Pat Lambie, Jessie Kriel.