Smit leads full-strength SA side
South Africa captain John Smit has been named in his team’s starting line-up for Sunday’s World Cup clash against Samoa at the Parc des Princes in Paris. The 29-year-old hooker has not played since injuring his hamstring against Australia in June, but he returns to take his place in a full-strength side.
Danie Rossouw gets the nod at number eight, while Butch James is in at fly-half. JP Pietersen keeps his place on the right wing, with the quick Bryan Habana on the left. This starting XV is the most experienced side ever fielded by South Africa by caps, with a combined total of 609.
South Africa versus Samoa
Backs: Montgomery, Pietersen, Fourie, De Villiers, Habana, James, Du Preez.
Forwards: Du Randt, Smit (C), Van der Linde, Bakkies Botha, Matfield, Burger, Smith, Rossouw.
Replacements: Du Plessis, BJ Botha, Muller, Van den Berg, Januarie, Pretorius, Steyn.