Springbok coach Jake White pledged on Wednesday that his side will launch an all-out assault on Samoa when they kick off their World Cup campaign on Sunday.
”We will play against Samoa with the best team that we can put on the pitch,” said White ahead of the Paris Pool A encounter.
”The team needs a lot of playing time to prepare for the match against England [the decisive pool match in Paris on September 14].”
White will name his team for the match with Samoa on Thursday but his thoughts are also on the England clash, which will decide top spot in the group.
The pool winners will probably take on Wales in the quarterfinals with the runners-up facing a tricky clash with former double champions Australia.
”The English could announce their team to face us now, we know what team they will play,” said White, who is preparing to face an England side that includes injured Jonny Wilkinson.
The flyhalf has damaged ankle ligaments and has already been ruled out of his country’s opening match against the United States in Lens on Saturday.
”He is a very good player, one of the best in the world,” said White.
”Even if he was on the ground, I am sure [England coach] Brian Ashton would name him. The way in which he returned to the team after missing 30 Tests [against Scotland in the Six Nations] proves what a great player he is.
”I spoke to Brian on Tuesday and he said to me that they are so used to seeing Wilkinson on the ground it doesn’t really bother him anymore.”
Meanwhile, White has warned his team not to underestimate Samoa.
”Remember the 2003 World Cup when Samoa caused England problems in the pool games,” said White.
”Not so much the result [England won 35-22], but the way in which they played before being dominated. We expect them to start against us in the same way.”
White admitted he was concerned that his team would have a day’s less rest than England before the two sides clash.
”They are the world champions so they may have received a more favourable draw than us,” said the coach.
”England play on Saturday and we play a physical team on Sunday, so the four day turnaround will be tough.”
Boks skipper John Smit said he was eager to get the tournament under way.
”Samoa is a great way to start the World Cup,” said Smit. ”They are a very tough physical team.
”We have spent four years waiting for this. It has been a long time coming. For some of the guys who have not played in a while it has been frustrating, but we all just want to get out there and start playing.” — Sapa-AFP