Springboks

by  NALEDI MODISE
JOHANNESBURG – SOUTH Africa coach, Heyneke Meyer, has warned his warned his players to guard against complacency ahead of their opening Rugby World Cup match against Japan.

The two sides meet in a Pool B encounter in Brighton on Saturday.

The Springboks, as South Africa is known, are tagged as favourites to beat the Asians, whom they have never played.

Coah Meyer nonetheless is wary of the tag.

“The players know that nothing but their best will be good enough on Saturday and we realise the importance of starting the World Cup on a good note, but having said that, we also know that there is no such thing as an easy game in rugby anymore and they will be just as fired up as us,” he told media.

“Decision-making will be key on Saturday and it’s up the players to know when and how to vary our play. We can play tactically if we have to, but we can also attack with ball in hand and I’d like to see a good blend of that this weekend.”

South Africa are ranked third in the world, ten higher than Japan.

The team to face the Japanese is said to be the most experienced Springbok side ever, with a combined total of 880 Test caps.

Jean de Villiers will captain the side.