Heyneke announces squad to face USA

Before the start of the Rugby World Cup, many fans would not have given the Springboks clash against the USA a second look.

Coach Heyneke Meyer would have been forgiven for starting with his bench players.

But after the loss to Japan, there is no room to rest players.

With a turnaround of just over three days after their victory over Scotland, South Africa will head out onto the field against the USA on Wednesday.

They will be looking to secure top spot in their pool B and avoid a clash with Australia, who will finish top of pool A if they beat Wales this coming weekend.

Meyer has made two changes to the starting team, with a further four changes to the bench.

Frans Malherbe will replace Jannie du Plessis at loosehead prop, getting his first start of the tournament while Lwazi Mvovo comes in for JP Pietersen on the right wing.

On the bench, flyhalf Morne Steyn mitght make his first appearance of the tournament with Rudy Paige as reserve halfback.

Schalk Brits will be on the bench as replacement hooker.

RSA Starting team: 15. Willie le Roux, 14. Lwazi Mvovo, 13. Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Handre Pollard, 9. Fourie du Preez, 8. Duane Vermuelen, 7. Schalk Burger, 6. Francois Louw, 5. Eben Etzebeth, 4. Lood de Jager, 3. Tendai Mtawarira, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Frans Malherbe.

Replacements 16. Schalk Brits, 17. Trevor Nyakane, 18. Coenie Oosthuizen, 19. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 20. Willem Alberts, 21. Rudy Paige, 22. Morne Steyn, 23 Jan Serfontein.

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