Springbok coach Jake White pledged on Wednesday that his side will launch an all-out assault on Samoa when they kick-off their World Cup campaign tomorrow.
"We will play against Samoa with the best team that we can put on the pitch," White said ahead of the Paris Pool A encounter.
"The team needs a lot of playing time to prepare for the match against England [the decisive pool match in Paris on Sept. 14]."
PHOTO: AP
White named his team for the match with Samoa on Thursday, but his thoughts are also on the England clash which will decide top spot in the group.
The pool winners will probably take on Wales in the quarter-finals, with the runners-up facing a tricky clash with Australia.
"The English could announce their team to face us now, we know what team they will play," said White, who is preparing to face an England side which includes injured Jonny Wilkinson.
The flyhalf has damaged ankle ligaments and has already been ruled out of his country's opening match against the US in Lens today.
"He is a very good player, one of the best in the world," White said. "Even if he was [injured], I am sure [England coach] Brian Ashton would name him. The way in which he returned to the team after missing 30 Tests [against Scotland in the Six Nations] proves what a great player he is."
"I spoke to Brian on Tuesday and he said to me that they are so used to seeing Wilkinson laid low it doesn't really bother him anymore," White said.
Meanwhile, White warned his team not to underestimate Samoa.
"Remember the 2003 World Cup when Samoa caused England problems in the pool games -- not so much the result but the way in which they played before being dominated. We expect them to start against us in the same way," White said.
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