Matfield to lead Springboks against Argentina
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer named his strongest possible team as a mark of the greatest respect to an outstanding Argentina team as both teams chase the end-of-season reward of a bronze medal at the Olympic Stadium in London on Friday evening.
Victor Matfield replaces Lood de Jager as one of only two changes to the starting line-up from Saturday’s semi-final against New Zealand. He takes over the over the captaincy from the injured Fourie du Preez, whose place in the No 9 jersey is taken by Ruan Pienaar with Rudy Paige coming on to the bench.
“This is a critical match for us and we owe it to ourselves and our supporters to end the season on a high note,” said Meyer.
“The Pumas have made massive strides in recent years and we’ve experienced first-hand how tough an opponent they can be. The players realise that they will have to lift themselves for one final push on Friday to ensure that South African rugby goes into the off season on a winning note.
“I considered fielding a much-changed team and weighed the pros and cons but ultimately decided the team that has grown together over the past few weeks was the one with the best chance of delivering victory for our supporters.”
Meyer said the playoff match for third place at the World Cup is not what the Springboks had hoped for, but that they will approach the final Test of 2015 as the final.
“The players have all spoken about the honour of wearing the Springbok jersey and this Test is no different – we will never settle for being second or third best,” he said.
“It is my task to get them in the right frame of mind after the disappointment of last weekend and to ensure we bounce back with a good win after a tough week. To lose a Test is never good enough but we’ve put last week behind us and our focus is now solely on Friday.
“Although our aim was always to win the competition, we have the opportunity to finish our campaign on a high and that is what we will be aiming for against a very good Argentinean side.
Pat Lambie will reach the special milestone of 50 Test caps for South Africa if he gets game-time off the bench.
The Springbok team to face Argentina in London is:
(Position/Name/Franchise or Club/Test Caps/Test points):
15. Willie le Roux Toyota Cheetahs (33 caps, 45 points)
14. JP Pietersen Cell C Sharks (65 caps, 110 points)
13. Jesse Kriel Vodacom Bulls (10 caps, 15 points)
12. Damian De Allende DHL Stormers (12 caps, 5 points)
11. Bryan Habana Toulon (116 caps, 320 points)
10. Handré Pollard Vodacom Bulls (19 caps, 174 points)
9. Ruan Pienaar Ulster (87 caps, 135 points)
8. Duane Vermeulen DHL Stormers (34 caps, 10 points)
7. Schalk Burger DHL Stormers (85 caps, 80 points)
6. Francois Louw Bath (42 caps, 40 points)
5. Victor Matfield (captain) Vodacom Bulls (126 caps, 35 points)
4. Eben Etzebeth DHL Stormers (43 caps, 5 points)
3. Frans Malherbe DHL Stormers (11 caps, 0 points)
2. Bismarck du Plessis Cell C Sharks (78 caps, 55 points)
1. Tendai Mtawarira Cell C Sharks (74 caps, 10 points)
Replacements:
16. Adriaan Strauss Vodacom Bulls (53 caps, 30 points)
17. Trevor Nyakane Vodacom Bulls (22 caps, 5 points)
18. Jannie du Plessis Cell C Sharks (69 caps, 5 points)
19. Lood de Jager Toyota Cheetahs (18 caps, 20 points)
20. Willem Alberts Cell C Sharks (37 caps, 35 points)
21. Rudy Paige Vodacom Bulls (1 cap, 0 points)
22. Pat Lambie Cell C Sharks (49 caps, 134 points)
23. Jan Serfontein Vodacom Bulls (25 caps, 10 points)