Three former Springboks on whether Heyneke Meyer should have rested his first-choice players for their final pool game against the USA:

Werner Swanepoel (former Bok scrumhalf)

‘He has surprised a lot of people by selecting a full-strength team, but given the result against Japan, it’s understandable that he is overcautious. I would've liked to see a few more fringe players get a run-though. If the team puts the USA away in the first 40 minutes, Meyer should clear the bench early in the second half and give the first-choice players a rest.’

Braam van Straaten (former Bok flyhalf)

‘The continuity is a good thing. After this game, we get a 10-day break and there are a number of key players who need to clock up minutes before the quarter-final. Duane Vermeulen and Willem Alberts, for instance, haven’t seen much action. It’s important that they clock as many minutes as possible against the USA. Heyneke made the right call.’

Adriaan Richter (former Bok loose forward)

‘By selecting this team, it shows that Heyneke Meyer is scared of what could happen. Fielding a strong side in all four pool matches will have a big effect on the team going further. He should have put his faith in the youngsters in the squad. Why take them with and not give them a fair chance? Let’s be honest, if they can’t get a game against the USA, they never will. No player wants to be luggage in the team, let alone at a World Cup. And the senior or older players need a break. Meyer’s selection for this game is a bit unreasonable.’

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