RUGBY WORLD CUP: South Africa v Fiji Pool D

17.09.2011

Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Preview
One of the games we have been waiting for. Who can forget that fantastic rugby test match in 2007 when Fiji took on the mighty Springbox and gave them one hell of a fright. South Africa eventually won and went on to win the World Cup.

Two things. This time round South Africa will be expecting what Fiji can do so there will be no ambush. Secondly, South Africa have injury worries more than any other team at this World Cup. Locks are walking wounded. South Africa will not be up to full strength for this game. And if you want a third, South Africa were ambushed by Wales in the first game. Wales should have won. South Africa were lucky to get away with the win.

Fiji will be Fiji. Run the ball at the South African's all day and make their, at times cumbersome, pack move until they drop.

I'm off to Eden Park to see the Australia-Ireland game but I will watch this game before I go to the ground, which lucky old me, is just around the corner.

Previous Encounters
07.10.2007 South Africa 37-20 in Marseilles (World Cup, Quarter final)
02.07.1996 South Africa 48-18 in Prestoria

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-South Africa 1st, Fiji 13th

IRB Ranking Points
South Africa 86.71, Fiji 71.10

Prediction: South Africa by 14

Teams

South Africa15 Patrick Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Odwa Ndungane, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Danie Rossouw, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit, Capt. 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements
16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 François Louw, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 François Hougaard, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Juan de Jongh
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers











Fiji15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Gaby Lovobalavu, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Naipolioni Nalaga, 10 Waisea Sedre Luveniyali, 9 Neemia Kenatale, 8 Sakiusa Matadigo, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Dominiko Maiwiriwiri Waqaniburotu, 5 Wame Lewaravu, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Deacon Manu, Capt 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Replacements
16 Talemaitoga Dautu Tuapati, 17 Waisea Nailago, 18 Netani Edward Talei, 19 Sisa Koyamaibole, 20 Vitori Tomu Buatava, 21 Nicky Little, 22 Ravai Fatiaki
Head Coach: Samuela Domoni