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Heavyweights South Africa play their first game of the 2015 Rugby World Cup against Japan in what should be a good test for the Springboks.
Join The Roar for live scores of the game from 1:45am AEST, and feel free to leave a comment in the box below.
This should be a good encounter. The Japanese are an always-improving rugby nation, and the Springboks will be hungry after being starved of success during the 2015 Rugby Championship.
Close losses against Australia and New Zealand were followed by a humiliation at the hands of Argentina, and although they got some retribution the week after, they were the only winless side in the 2015 tournament.
South Africa have largely gone back to the experienced troops Heyneke Meyer has faith to get the job done. These include 2007 World Cup-winning players Schalk Burger and Victor Matfield (with Fourie du Preez on the bench), along with Pat Lambie at flyhalf, Bryan Habana on the wing, captain Jean de Villiers at inside centre and Zane Kirchner at fullback
It’s an interesting period for the Springboks, with the likes of Jesse Kriel simply playing too well to leave out, as such holding onto his spot at outside centre, and Lood de Jager forcing his way into the starting side due to some very strong performances at lock during the shortened international season.
Japan, too, is fielding a very experienced side, highlighted by the inclusion of 36-year-old former premiership-winning NRL player Craig Wing at inside centre.
Shota Horie will be relied upon to take on the big ship Bismarck du Plessis at hooker, and he should do a good enough job.
Overall, it should be a pretty engaging contest, with both sides of players keen to get some points on the board with their coaches as the tournament moves on.
Join The Roar for live scores of the Springboks-Japan match from 1:45am AEST, and feel free to join in the discussion in the comments section below.
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