Springboks coach Jake White has stuck to his word and will put out his strongest possible team against the Samoans, with the probable pool decider against England next Friday in mind.

In the absence of the injured Blue Bull Pierre Spies, Danie Rossouw is at number eight, while the fly-half berth goes to Butch James.

JP Pietersen continues on the right wing, with speed merchant Bryan Habana on the opposite flank.

Samoa will parade a team containing several Guinness Premiership players when they launch their World Cup campaign against South Africa in Paris on Sunday. Leicester wing Alesana Tuilagi starts, while Bristol's David Lemi features in the full-back position and Bath centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu wears the number 10 shirt.

Up front, the pack includes Saracens prop Cencus Johnston and Wasps flanker Daniel Leo as Samoa prepare to tackle the Pool A favourites at Parc des Princes.

Harlequins hooker Tani Fuga, who was drafted into the squad as a replacement for injured lock Felipo Levi earlier this week, features on the bench, where he is joined by Sale Sharks centre Elvis Seveali'i, Worcester fly-half Loki Crichton and ex-Bristol back Brian Lima.

South Africa: P Montgomery; JP Pietersen, J Fourie, J de Villiers, B Habana; B James, F du Preez; O du Randt, J Smit, CJ van der Linde, Bakkies Botha, V Matfield, S Burger, J Smit, D Rossouw.
Replacements: B du Plessis, BJ Botha, J Muller, A van den Berg, R 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.