Sportswriters suggested Springbok team against Samoa

South Africa face Samoa on Saturday at Villa Park in a match described by Springbok flank Schalk Burger as a "final".

Springbok team to face Samoa, as chosen by Sport24's rugby panel*:

Garrin Lambley - Sport24 Editor

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Schalk Burger (captain), 6 Francois Louw, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Beast Mtawarira

Garrin says: "No Jean de Villiers for me in midfield. Time to re-unite the youngsters. Same story for Victor Matfield. With experience comes age... and Victor's over the hill. Burger leads in their absence."

Rob Houwing - Sport24 chief writer

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Schalk Burger, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Victor Matfield (captain), 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Trevor Nyakane

For the rationale behind Houwing's reasons click HERE

Herman Mostert - Rugby journalist

15 Pat Lambie, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Victor Matfield (captain), 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Trevor Nyakane

Herman says: "I can’t find space for Jean de Villiers at present. He was a liability on defence against Japan, while I also opted for two new starting props."

Lloyd Burnard - Rugby journalist

15 Willie le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jean de Villiers (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Beast Mtawarira 

Lloyd says: "Jean de Villiers is the man tasked with leading this side at the Rugby World Cup, and I think we need to back that decision now. For that reason, Jesse Kriel misses out to accommodate Damian de Allende"

The first listed team is to my mind nearest the mark.  De Villiers was putrid against Japan and Matfield as bad with his zero contribution to the Tight 5.

I would also change the props - with Malherbe and Nyakane getting the selection ahead of Du Plessis and Beast who played for 15 minutes and then going AWOL in the game agai nst Japan. 

So no room for Lambie  even among the gormless journalists.  No room for Stephanie, although incredibly Houwig picks Kolisi. No room for Kirchner. No room for Coenie. Well game, set and match I'd say....my match comments full reflected in the choices.