SOUTH AFRICA
Form
South Africa suffered four successive defeats, including a 37-25 home loss to Argentina before responding with a win in Buenos Aires. There is still a reliance on established stars like Fourie de Preez, Jean de Villiers, Victor Matfield and Duane Vermeulen. The two-time winners' tournament could unravel if their leading lights do not find form quickly.
Captain: Jean de Villiers
The Springbok skipper returned from a horrific knee injury only to break his jaw on his first start back, against Argentina. He will likely miss the first two pool games, but the classy centre is a key figure for his side.
Star player: Duane Vermeulen
The number eight is a barnstorming back-row presence. He will move from the Stormers to Toulon after the tournament, where he will hope to make his presence felt after a recent neck injury.
World Cup history
Who could forget South Africa's win in the 1995 tournament, when Nelson Mandela wore the Springbok jersey, uniting a nation? South Africa won again 12 years later in France and can be considered among the favourites, despite their quarter-final elimination four years ago.
AFP