S. Africa’s injury dilemma in hunt for captain

Duane Vermeulen, 7. Schalk Burger, 6.

Meyer said his team would have to build on the victory over Samoa to stay on course for the quarter-finals after losing to Japan in their opening game.

Du Preez will become the Springboks’ 56th Test captain in this weekend’s must win Pool B clash after making a big impact upon his return in the match against Samoa. He is a rugby genius.

But Meyer called du Preez a “tactical genius” respected by his team-mates. “I will be eternally grateful to him”.

“Fourie is not a guy with a lot of words, not like me, but he’s a true warrior and that’s what we’re going to need… the players respect him”, said Meyer. Meyer said if Alberts had not made it on to the field this week, he would have been heading home.

“They are hugely experienced and they know what it will take to win this very important match against a great Scottish side”.

“It has happened now and I’ll be eternally grateful for the time I’ve had in the Springbok jersey”. Hopefully, I can lead by example and the team will follow me.

There are three changes to the starting line-up that defeated Samoa 46-6.

“In Heyneke they have a wonderful coach who knows what it takes to succeed, and who has given me the opportunity to lead my country for the last four years”.

South Africa captain Jean de Villiers has been discharged from hospital within hours of completing surgery on his jaw.

Jan Serfontein, who came into the 31-man squad in place of De Villiers, is among the backs replacements. Also amongst the replacements are Pieter-Steph du Toit, Willem Alberts and Jan Serfontein, who provides cover as both centres picked up injuries last week. But South Africa must be certain to avoid a repeat of their shock loss when they take on the Scots at Newcastle United’s St James Park.

Bismarck du Plessis steps in for Adriaan Strauss at hooker, Lood de Jager comes in for Victor Matfield at number five and Jesse Kriel will man outside centre with injured Jean de Villiers ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

Team (15-1): Willie le Roux; JP Pietersen, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Bryan Habana; Handre Pollard, Fourie du Preez (capt); Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Burger, Francois Louw; Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth; Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.