VARIOUS RUGBY: Defending champions South Africa are in the Rugby World Cup's "pool of death" with the talented but often erratic Wales, the powerful Pacific Island nations of Samoa and Fiji and minnows Namibia.

Record ID: 715162

  • Title: VARIOUS RUGBY: Defending champions South Africa are in the Rugby World Cup's "pool of death" with the talented but often erratic Wales, the powerful Pacific Island nations of Samoa and Fiji and minnows Namibia.
  • Date: 26th August 2011
  • Summary: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (FILE) (REUTERS) SOUTH AFRICA COACH PETER DE VILLIERS WALKING / SMILING DURING TRAINING SESSION
  • Embargoed: 10th September 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa, New Zealand, United States Minor Outlying Islands
  • City:
  • Country: New Zealand
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVAE1Z3YUX7X62AZ85SFEE9N7RKW
  • Story Text: They have huntered for it and won and now South Africa is prepared to be the hunted at this year's Rugby World Cup.
    The Springboks are the tournament's defending champions and ominously, are bringing to New Zealand 18 of the team that were successful in France four years ago.
    Once again, hooker John Smit leads the side, with veterans Victor Matfield and Fourie Du Preez all back as the 'Boks' attempt to become the first team in the history of the competition to successfully defend the title.
    "I think it's going to be the hardest task this group of players has ever had to face," Smit said.
    "It will be a lot more difficult four years later now, in terms of the fact that we're going there to defend it and everyone will be wanting to knock us off our pedestal.
    "We've got a similar type of squad and we'll have to go there with a couple of new tricks up our sleeve if we do want to retain it but it's going to be a huge task.
    "Probably will be taking the most experience team to the World Cup in 2011," Smit added.
    "With the amount of caps that have been accumulated during the last sort of seven or eight years, it's been a long journey and that experience will always come to the fore when the pressure's at its absolute peak.
    "I'm pretty excited about the kind of guys who will be going there and the kind of experiences they've had."
    Smit's own place in the team has been called into question with coach Peter de Villiers refusing to acknowledge that Bismarck du Plessis, who produced an impressive display against New Zealand in South Africa's final warm up match, as a superior hooker, despite the compelling evidence supporting that.
    "He's (Smit) the best hooker, definitely the best hooker. The reason for that is that if you sit down and look at his attributes that he makes to the team.
    "That's why rugby is a team sport and a lot of our people are caught up by individual performances. Does an individual performance enhance a team's goals and performance? And then you look at what your team wants to achieve and who's going to bring that kind of attributes to the side.
    "To me in my mind, I know John, John's work ethic is very high, he's an honest and hard graft man and he tends to put his personal goals aside to put the team goals going so for us, he's valuable to our team."
    Du Preez added the experience the Springboks had from four years ago would be invaluable to them in New Zealand.
    "We'll have a little bit of an advantage with a lot of our players having been there before and having won the World Cup but as history has shown, no team has won a World Cup, directed after each other, so we'd obviously like to be the first team to successfully defend the World Cup."
    South Africa's in Pool D at the tournament, with most labelling it the "pool of death" with Wales, Samoa and Fiji all capable of advancing to the quarter finals.
    Wales will be desperate for redemption after coming up short in 2007.
    Fiji upsetting the Welsh to advance out of their group on that occasion.
    But Wales realise it is not just the obvious sides that possess the greatest threat.
    "Just a very tough group, we know it's probably the toughest in the competition," midfielder Jamie Roberts said.
    "Tough, some big boys, some big Islanders boys, very physical group but the boys have trained very hard to be ready for that. We're certainly under no illusions that it's going to be very tough.
    "Fiji and Samoa are going to pose huge threats, as are Namibia and South Africa as well. But it's all about that first game, 11th of September for us, and we're really looking forward to it."
    But veteran Wales winger Shane Williams believes his team can not only get out of the group but go on and win the whole thing.
    "
    "The self-belief is that we can go on and win it, you've got to have that going into a tournament because if you believe you can just get to a quarter final or maybe struggle or just get to a semi final, then that's where you're going to get to so we've got to look to the positive and look forward to winning it."
    If France are New Zealand's World Cup nemesis, then Samoa are very much Wales', having recorded some memorable victories, particularly at the World Cup.
    Samoan fullback Paul Williams said it made that match up an enticing one for both teams.
    "It means they (Wales) certainly won't be taking us lightly. They'll know the history, the triumphs Samoa's enjoyed, up in Wales particularly, so they'd love to turn the tables I'm sure so we'll have to be up for that one."
    With Auckland being well known as the largest Pacific Island city in the world, Samoa can expect plenty of support when they play in New Zealand.
    It is something the team was looking forward to.
    "It should be a great boost for the team, a big Samoan community, particularly in Auckland.
    "We play Fiji there, big Fijian community too that we'll have to contend with in that game, also in North Harbour so not too far for our supporters to travel.
    "A lot of the players have strong New Zealand connections, either being brought up there or came out for schooling, so it's a little more special to be able to play in front of a relatively home crowd."
    FACTBOX ON POOL D TEAMS: South Africa: - The reigning world champions are favourites to get out of the tournament's "pool of death" but did lose three of their four Tri Nations matches in the build up.
    - Are chasing a third World Cup triumph and hoping to become the first team in the history of the tournament to win back to back titles.
    - After a remarkable 2009 season, which included three straight wins over the All Blacks, the Springboks came crashing back to earth in 2010. New Zealand turned the tables on their greatest foes with a 3-0 sweep while Australia also inflicted two defeats on the Boks as they finished bottom of the Tri Nations.
    - Began their quest in November for a Grand Slam with narrow wins over Ireland and Wales before they were stunned by Scotland 21-17 in Edinburgh. Only an emphatic 21-17 victory over England saved them from a totally disastrous 2010 season.
    - Key player: Morne Steyn, 27. The point scoring machine from Cape Town has amassed over 300 Test points in just two seasons for the Springboks with dead accurate goal-kicking and an uncanny ability to pop over drop-goals. Tactically astute, the first five-eight shapes as one of the most important figures if South Africa is to defend their title.
    - Key player: Schalk Burger, 28. The giant 114 kilogramme flanker is one of the most destructive players in world rugby. With over 70 Tests of experience, Burger has been known to walk a fine line between aggression and thuggery but it this ruthless streak that makes him the brilliant player that he is. However Burger faces a race against time to make the World Cup after breaking his thumb in this year's Super Rugby finals.
    South Africa World Cup Squad: Backs: Francois Steyn, Gio Aplon, Patrick Lambie, Bryan Habana, Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Juan de Jongh, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Butch James, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Francois Hougaard, Ruan Pienaar.
    Forwards: Pierre Spies, Willem Alberts, Heinrich Brussow, Schalk Burger, Francois Louw, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Johann Muller, Danie Rossouw, Jannie Du Plessis, CJ van der Linde, Bismarck du Plessis, Chiliboy Ralepelle, John Smit (captain), Tendai Mtawarira, Guthro Steenkamp Wales: - Failed to reach the last eight in 2007 after being dumped out by Fiji.
    - In November 2010, Wales lost to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand before being held in a draw by Fiji.
    - In this year's Six Nations, the Welsh enjoyed slightly better form, beating Scotland, Italy and Ireland but dropped two matches to England and France.
    - Mike Phillips, 28. Fiery scrum half brings a real physical presence to the Welsh game. With over 50 Tests behind him, (for Wales and the British and Irish Lions against South Africa in 2009 where he was one of the standout players of the tour) Phillips has emerged as one of the world's leading number nines. The 28-year-old was banned on June 17 following allegations of an incident on a night out in Cardiff but has since been reinstated and if Wales go far, expect him to be right in the thick of it.
    Wales World Cup Squad: Backs - Aled Brew, Lee Byrne, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Stephen Jones, Tavis Knoyle, George North, Mike Phillips, Rhys Priestland, Jamie Roberts, Lloyd Williams, Scott Williams, Shane Williams Forwards - Sam Warburton, Huw Bennett, Ryan Bevington, Lloyd Burns, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Toby Faletau, Paul James, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones, Dan Lydiate, Craig Mitchell, Ken Owens, Andy Powell Fiji: - Capable of an upset, Fiji brings Pacific flair.
    - In the inaugural tournament in 1987, a Fijian side which had only played their first Test two years prior shocked the established world order by beating Argentina 28-9 in their opening pool match - and thus qualifying for the quarter-finals. Fast-forward 20 years later and Fiji were at it again when they inflicted more World Cup pain on Wales in their last pool match to qualify for their second World Cup quarter-final. Their 38-34 win was considered one of the best matches of the 2007 tournament as they withstood a ferocious Welsh comeback for a famous victory. In their quarter-final against South Africa, they also put up a good show and at one stage, early in the second half, levelled the scores at 20-20. The biggest shock in World Cup history looked like it was on the cards until brilliant South African flanker Juan Smith scored a late try to seal the win.
    - Key player: Albert VuliVuli, 26. The blockbusting centre / winger began his rugby career in New Zealand. Linked up with the Queensland Reds in the 2009 Super 14 season. He moved to France shortly after the season ended to join his new Top 14 club, CS Bourgoin-Jallieu. He now plays for Racing Metro 92 in the French Top 14 where his strong runs and powerful tackling have stood out in one of Europe's toughest leagues.
    - Key player: Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 25. The hardworking loose forward has been a standout player for Waikato in the ITM Cup in the past two seasons and has only missed out on a Super Rugby contract because of his allegiance to Fiji. At a nearly two meters tall, Waqaniburotu can also play lock and provides a much needed tough edge to the Fijian pack.
    Fiji World Cup 2011 squad: Backs: Nemia Ranuku, Vitori Buatava, Waisea Luveniyali, Seremaia Bai, Nicky Little, Albert Vulivuli, Gabirieli Lovobalavu, Ravai Fatiaki, Vereniki Goneva, Napolioni Nalaga, Michael Tagicakibau, Kini Murimurivalu, Iliesa Keresoni Forwards: Campese Ma'afu, Deacon Manu (captain), Setefano Somoca, Waisea Daveta, Viliame Veikoso, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Sunia Koto, Seko Kalou, Leone Nakarawa, Wame Lewaravu, Rupeni Nasiga, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Sisa Koyamaibole, Akapusi Qera, Netani Talei, Masi Matadigo, Malakai Ravulo.
    Samoa: - Have featured in every tournament since 1991 and have progressed past the pool stages three times.
    - More recently, they've struggled at World Cups after finding themselves in the same pool as South Africa and England in the last two tournaments.
    - After winning the 2010 Pacific Nations Cup, Samoa had some positive results on their tour of the Northern Hemisphere at the end of last year: They went down fighting against Ireland 20-10, before testing England in a 26-13 loss. They were then extremely unlucky not to get a result when Scotland got out of jail with a late penalty goal for a 19-16 win at Murrayfield.
    - In this year's Pacific Nations Cup, a second string Samoa side opened with a win over Japan before suffering defeats to Island rivals, Fiji and Tonga. However their best fifteen showed what they are capable of when they stunned the Wallabies in Sydney 32-23 in July..it was their most significant test result in their history.
    - Key player: Kahn Fotuali'i, 29. The Ospreys-bound Crusaders scrumhalf pledged his allegiance to Samoa last year and was selected to go on their end of year tour. He immediately made an impact scoring on debut in their win over Japan. He scored again for Samoa in their narrow loss to Scotland. Fotuali'i has been plagued by injury throughout this season, but had kept All Black Andy Ellis on the Crusaders bench for much of last year. Has a strong kicking game and the ability to cover first five-eighth if required.
    - Key player: Alesana Tuilagi, 30. Giant Leicester winger was influential in leading the Tigers to the English Premiership final this year, scoring 17 tries in 29 games in the season just passed. At 118 kilograms and 1.85 metres tall, Tuilagi cuts an imposing figure on the field in the mould of the great Jonah Lomu. He debuted for Samoa in 2002 and since then has played 21 Tests scoring nine tries. As if he wasn't enough for defences to deal with his number eight playing brother Henry and midfielder Anetelea are also in the Samoa squad.
    Manu Samoa World Cup Squad: Backs: Kahn Fotuali'i, David Lemi, Johhny Leota, Seilala Mapusua, Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, Tasesa Lavea, Augustino Poluleuligaga, George Pisi, Tusi Pisi, James So'oialo, Jeremy Sua, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Alesana Tuilagi, Paul Williams Forwards: Ole Avei, Maurie Faasavalu, Census Johnston, Filipo Lavea Levi, Daniel Leo, Logovi'i Mulipola, Ti'i Paulo, Anthony Perenise, Manaia Salavea, Mahonri Schwalger, George Stowers, Sakaria Taulafo, Joe Tekori, Kane Thompson, Ofisa Treviranus, Taiasina Tuifua.
    Namibia: - Nicknamed the "Welwitschias" or "Biltongboere".
    - In 2003, they were on the wrong end of the biggest ever World Cup hiding, losing to hosts Australia 142-0 in Adelaide.
    - Sealed their spot in New Zealand with a win over Tunisia - In June's IRB Nations Cup in Romania, Namibia failed to defend their 2010 title. They were narrowly beaten by the hosts 13-10 in their opening match before snatching a 29-23 win over 2007 World Cup qualifiers Portugal.
    - Key player: Kees Lensing, 33. Previously played for Castres in the Top 14 competition. He plays as a prop.
    - Key player: Jacques Nieuwenhuis, 31. Nieuwenhuis was in the Namibian squad for the 2007 World Cup, and scored a try in his nation's first match in the competition, in a game against Ireland. He later blotted his copybook by being the first Namibian to be sent off at a World Cup against France. Nieuwenhuis plays as a number eight. The South African born loose forward is among a handful of Namibian players who ply their trade professionally in Europe with second division French club Stade Aurillac.
    Namibia World Cup Squad: Backs: Johannes Bock, Chrysander Botha, Hendirk Dames, Darryl de la Harpe, Ryan de la Harpe, Eugene Janjties, Theuns Kotze, Tertius Losper, Conrad Marais, David Philander, Llelwellyn Winkler, Daniel van Wyk, Mcgrath van Wyk, Willem van Zyl.
    Forwards: Jacques Burger (captain), Egbertus O'Callerghan, Nico Esterhuyse, Hendrik Franken, Hugo Horn, Uakazuvara Kazombiaze, Rohan Kitshoff, Heinze Koll, Raol Larson, Pieters van Lill, Jacques Nieuwenhuis, Reaud van Neel, Tinus du Plessis, Johannes Redelinghuys, Johannes du Toit, Marius Visser.
    POOL D FIXTURES: Fiji v Namibia - Rotorua, Sept. 10 South Africa v Wales - Wellington, Sept. 11 Samoa v Namibia - Rotorua, Sept. 14 South Africa v Fiji - Wellington, Sept. 17 Wales v Samoa - Hamilton, Sept. 18 South Africa v Namibia - Auckland, Sept. 22 Fiji v Samoa - Auckland, Sept. 25 Wales v Namibia - New Plymouth, Sept. 26 South Africa v Samoa - Auckland, Sept. 30 Wales v Fiji - Hamilton, Oct. 2
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