Expect a literal crunch match

Pool A/South Africa v Samoa:This match is likely to produce a homily to the physicality of modern rugby union. The South Africans, underpinned by a huge, athletic pack and a hard-running three-quarter line must stare down a Samoan team for whom the collision of muscle, bone and sinew is a cherished aspect of the sport. There won't be many sidesteps.

The primeval quality of the contest is, however, unlikely to mask the disparity between the teams. The Springboks, and probably New Zealand, invariably deal best with the physical threat posed by the Pacific Islanders.

In the 2003 World Cup, South Africa thumped tomorrow's opponents 60-10, and on home soil in the 1995 tournament they beat the Samoans 60-8.

The 1995 world champions have a huge front five, whose qualities are embodied in the second-row pairing of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha.

The main conundrum for Springbok coach Jake White has been trying to introduce a little more subtlety to the back play: finding ways to release possibly the quickest wing in world rugby, Bryan Habana. The team boasts a brilliant scrumhalf in Fourie du Preez and a tough inside three led by Butch James at outhalf.

Percy Montgomery's experience and place-kicking ability complete an array of talent many feel represents the biggest threat to New Zealand here.

Samoa have been blighted by misfortune, losing three players to injury in the run-up to the tournament, but their coach, the former All Black legend Michael Jones, refuses to dwell on the handicap, preferring instead to focus on the positives from an extended training camp.

"Logistically we can't bring them all together for mini-camps and when we do assemble (for Tests) we might only get them for a week. At least this way I've had them together for weeks and we have worked on our defence, attacking play and set-pieces, and defensive patterns.

"It's definitely a challenging job, but it's also very rewarding because the guys play for their families and their country."

Pride and determination, while great qualities, just won't suffice in Paris tomorrow.

SOUTH AFRICA: P Montgomery; JP Piersen, J Fourie, J de Villiers, B Habana; B James, F du Preez; O du Randt, J Smit (capt), CJ van der Linde; B Botha, V Matfield; S Burger, J Smith, D Rossouw. Replacements: B du Plessis, B Botha, J Muller, W van Heerden, E Januarie, A Pretorius, F Steyn.

SAMOA: D Lemi; L Fa'atau, G Williams, J Meafou, A Tuilagi; E Fuimaono-Sapolu, J Polu; J Va'a, M Schwalger, C Johnston; J Tekori, K Thompson; D Leo, S Sititi (capt), H Tuilagi. Replacements: T Fuga, K Lealamanua, A Vaeluaga, J Purdie, E Seveali'I, L Crichton, B Lima.

Referee: P Honiss (New Zealand).