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A huge weekend of 2011 Rugby World Cup action kicks off at North Harbour Stadium tonight when the Springboks take on Samoa in what should be a cracking contest. Join us from the commencement at 5.30pm for live scores and a blog of all the action.
A tough draw and conservative tactics against the Welsh have cruelled the Samoans’ quarter-final hopes, and they need a miracle to progress now.
More specifically, they need to take all five points from the match tonight against an ominous-looking Springboks unit, and ensure that their South African opponents do not gain a bonus point.
The Springboks will use the match to continue to build on their impressive form so far this tournament, and the Samoans will have great difficulty in breaching a defence that has yielded a measly 19 points in three matches.
Samoa used a strong forward pack against Fiji last Sunday to great success but it won’t be the case here against a dominant Springboks pack.
If this does become a battle up front it will not be pretty for Samoa, and territorial advantage gained from the boots of Morne and Frans Steyn will make them pay.
Apart from Bakkies Botha, Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has a full squad to choose from and has made seven changes from the team who faced Namibia, with lock Victor Matfield returning to lead the team, while John Smit has been rested.
Brothers Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis and Tendai Mtawarira come in to a new-look front row, while JP Pietersen and Fourie du Preez are both recalled into the backline.
Samoan coach Titimaea Tafua has retained the nucleus of the starting XV that beat Fiji 27-7, making only three changes with Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu and David Lemi coming in for their first starts of the tournament.
Tafua has given an indication to the way the Samoans will approach tonight’s match by naming five forwards, including three front rowers, on the bench.
A solid forward pack led by inspirational skipper Mahonri Schwalger has provided the foundations for Samoa’s success in this tournament, but it could prove to be a dangerous ploy against a battle-hardened Springboks unit.
The South African pack will simply not lose in a battle of wills and if Samoa’s discipline begins to waver as a result, the deadly-accurate Morne Steyn will punish them severely.
The man mountain that is Alesana Tuilagi has been starved of legitimate opportunities in this tournament so far but could come into his own if Samoa choose to throw the ball around a little and try to expose the Springboks out wide.
But both sides come into this one looking for a win that would take them into the quarter-finals, so expect both sides to be up for some bruising rugby.
A big win here for Samoa would be a massive upset that would shock the tournament to its core, but sport has a habit of throwing up the unexpected.
Can it happen? Or will the defending champions continue to slowly build toward a quarter-final against the Wallabies?
Join us from 5.30pm AEST for live scores and a blog. It’s interactive, so get involved and be sure to leave your comments below!
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
