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Preview: SA v Tonga

Percy Montgomery: Ready to be the most-capped Springbok

One of these countries will be stripped of their 100 per cent record in World Cup 2007 on Saturday, as the Pool stage moves towards its proverbial business end.

With just one point separating the Springboks and the Sea Eagles - who cling to a four-point cushion over England - it would be difficult for Tonga not to view the world champions' game against Samoa with baited breath.

But Quddus Fielea's side holds the psychological advantage of taking to the field for the Pool's early kick-off, allowing them to whole-heartedly attack the tournament's second favourites.

And that they will do, as Samoa can positively testify.

Led by one of the competition's star performers thus far, Nili Latu, the Islanders enter the game in Lens wealthy in confidence following ending their seven-year losing run against their neighbours last week.

And with two wins under their belt, Latu has given an insight into Tonga's rugby attitude that many others would do well to heed.

"Where there's life there's hope. This team is still alive and well," the captain told NZPA.

"I'm just so proud of the boys. We don't have much but we have each other.

"One of our goals is to break into the top 10-ranked teams in the world. That was probably our number one target. A draw or a win against South Africa would crack it.

"Just by turning up you have a chance.

"It's good to see the boys with smiles on their faces. Having fun and enjoying yourself is key. It enables you to do so much more."

Their opponents, South Africa, return to the field with a much-changed line up from the XV that thumped England 36-0 in Paris, as coach Jake White opts to freshen up his squad with an eye on the quarter-finals.

But possibly as a precautionary measure, the Springbok replacements bench, boasting 311 caps, will be more than equipped to lace up their boots and stem any Tongan surges.

Veteran Bobby Skinstad skippers the side from loose forward with White making 13 changes in all.

Most notably, Percy Montgomery is required to sit patiently as he awaits the honour of becoming South Africa's most-capped international.

"I have told him he will go on," White assured the Paris media on Wednesday.

"People might say: 'Why are you giving him his 90th cap from the bench?'

"But Monty is not going to be remembered as a guy who came off the bench to play many Test matches - he has been a hell of a good servant."

Viewers of this contest should witness a dynamic, yet physical battle that could become expansive from the first whistle.

And whatever result streams over to the England and Samoan camps prior to their kick-off in Nantes, you can be sure Tonga will have given it their all and be cheering on the latter!

Ones to watch: ]

For South Africa: Probably the most versatile scrum-half in the world, Ruan Pienaar finds himself donning the number fifteen jersey on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks' rising star is an elusive runner who is blessed with all the attributes of an excellent nine, ten, wing and full-back. Still only 22, Pienaar will be keen to enjoy his outing against the Tongans.

For Tonga: The Tongan back-row has been a breath of fresh air to the tournament with their complete performances against the US and Samoa. A balance of power, pace, aggression and line-out capabilities has seen Nili Latu, Finau Maka and Hale T-Pole overpower their opponents. However, the latter will be missing against the Springboks due to over exuberance against his Island neighbours, so will the threat remain?

Head to head: Bobby Skinstad (South Africa) up against Finau Maka (Tonga) is one contest that whets the appetite. The 31-year-old Springbok leads a strong pack for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash. And they will have to be that to combat Tonga's growing heart and belief!

Previous Result: 1997: South Africa won 74-10 in Cape Town

Prediction: Surely damage limitation may enter Quddus Fielea's thoughts as he plots England's downfall next weekend. Although Jake White has rested the majority of his squad, surely sense will prevail as Samoa's physical presence may yet aid Tonga's progression chances. South Africa by less than 20 points.

South Africa: 15 Ruan Pienaar, 14 Ashwin Willemse, 13 Wynand Olivier, 12 Wayne Julies, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 André Pretorius, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Bob Skinstad (c), 7 Danie Rossouw, 6 Wikus van Heerden, 5 Albert van den Berg, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Gürthro Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 John Smit, 17 BJ Botha, 18 Victor Matfield, 19 Juan Smith, 20 Bryan Habana, 21 Frans Steyn, 22 Percy Montgomery.

Tonga: 15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Tevita Tu'ifua, 13 Sukanaivalu Hufanga, 12 Epeli Taione, 11 Joseph Vaka, 10 Pierre Hola, 9 Sione Tu'ipulotu, 8 Finau Maka, 7 Nili Latu (c), 6 Viliami Vaki, 5 'Emosi Kauhenga, 4 Paino Hehea, 3 Kisi Pulu, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Ephraim Taukafa, 17 Taufa'ao Filise, 18 Inoke Afeaki, 19 Lotu Filipine, 20 Soane Havea, 21 Isileli Tupou, 22 Aisea Havili.

Date: Saturday, 22 September
Venue: Stade Félix Bollaert, Lens
Kick-off: 14.00 (13.00 BST, 12.00 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes
Touch judges: Paul Marks, Federico Cuesta
Television match official: Malcolm Changleng
Assessor: Michel Lamoulie

By Adam Kyriacou