Schalk Burger returns for the Springboks versus USA but at 8
South Africa’s Schalk Burger returns against the USA on Sunday 30 September, in La Mosson Stadium, Montpellier, with a 1900 BST KO. Burger is in the unfamiliar position of number 8, after serving a two-week suspension for a dangerous tackle against Samoa.
With regular number 8 Danie Roussow given another week to fully recover from a neck injury, Springboks coach Jake White has opted to use Burger.
The match will be the 50th Test appearance for second row Albert van den Berg, while wing Akona Ndungane makes his first appearance at an IRB Rugby World Cup. Full back Percy Montgomery did not train on Friday because of a bruised calf muscle and he will be pulled out if he fails a fitness test on Saturday night.
South Africa Team V USA
Backs: Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Jaque Fourie, Francois Steyn, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Fourie du Preez
Forwards: Os du Randt, John Smit (C), BJ Botha, Albert van den Berg, Victor Matfield, Wickus van Heerden, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger.
Replacements: Bismarck du Plessis, CJ van der Linde, Bakkies Botha, Bobby Skinstad, Ruan Pienaar, Andre Pretorius, JP Pietersen.
kirsten said,
November 16, 2007 @ 9:49 am
hey schalk im a huge fan and im 13.i saw u at the airport in durban and u waved at me i hope to meet u one day!!!!!!luv u lots frm ur number one fan kirst