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Minister to Boks: You must fire

Johannesburg - Every game at the Rugby World Cup must be played as if it is the last, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula has told the Springbok rugby team.

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"We expect you to be firing from all cylinders in the game against Samoa this Friday," Mbalula wrote in a message to the SA Rugby Union, the Springbok team management, and the Bok players on Wednesday.

"Treat this game and the remaining games as the final and continue launching the final assault on the enemy as true warriors."

The title holders need one point from their last Pool D match against Samoa in Auckland to reach the playoffs.

"Once this mission is accomplished this Friday, we will join you as you escalate and intensify the attack on the opposition we will be meeting at the quarter-finals," Mbalula wrote.

"Remember we are the future and nobody can stop us."

Mbalula told the team over 50 million South Africans were following their progress in the tournament with "great enthusiasm and interest".

He urged the players to maintain a fighting spirit in their quest for a third world rugby title.

South Africa's game against Samoa at the North Harbour Stadium kicks off at 9h30 (SA time) on Friday.

Teams:

South Africa:
15 Pat Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield (captain), 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.

Substitutes: 16 John Smit, 17 Gurthrö Steenkamp, 18 CJ van der Linde, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 Francois Louw, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Jean de Villiers.

Samoa:
15 Paul Williams, 14 David Lemi, 13 Seilala Mapusua, 12 Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Faasavalu, 6 Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (captain), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.

Substitutes: 16 Ole Avei, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Logovi'i Mulipola, 19 Ofisa Treviranus, 20 Filipo Lavea Levi, 21 Junior Poluleuligaga, 22 George Pisi.

* Click HERE for the latest RWC odds on BET.CO.ZA

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