Meyer gambles on experienced 'Springcrocks'
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is so obsessed with experience that he has included scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, although he has not played for seven months.
A survivor of the 2007 World Cup-winning team, Du Preez has not featured in a Test since being injured against Scotland in the middle of last year.
The last competitive match for the 33-year-old was with his Japanese club in February and a proposed comeback during the 2015 Rugby Championship failed to materialise because of a training ground knee injury.
Lured out of international retirement in 2013, Du Preez admits it will take time to regain Test-level sharpness.
"Parts of my game will not be ready," he concedes. 
"I will have to find them during the World Cup. I do not have a choice.
"I will give my best for the Springboks and if that is not enough, so be it. I put a lot of pressure on myself and it is a good challenge."
The Springboks squad has suffered a glut of injuries during the build-up to the global rugby showpiece in England.
Du Preez, skipper and centre Jean de Villiers and No.8 Duane Vermeulen are the most notable 'crocks'.
Team doctor Craig Roberts this week gave the assurance that they are all 'fighting fit' and will be available for the opening match against Japan, in Brighton next Saturday, September 19.
However, Du Preez, De Villiers, Vermeulen and several other likely first choices will fly to England on Friday (September 11) distinctly ring rusty.
De Villiers has been particularly unlucky as he broke his jaw against Argentina last month just weeks after completing a miraculous recovery from a career-threatening knee injury.
Some reports have suggested De Villiers, capped 107 times, could miss several games in a pool that also includes Samoa, Scotland and the United States.
Reigning South African Rugby Player of the Year Vermeulen, who epitomises the physicality of the South African pack, is recovering from neck surgery and last played in May.
But Meyer is prepared to gamble as the Springboks seek a record third world title.
"You need experienced players because they know how to handle pressure," explains the 47-year-old whose contract – which expires after the tournament – has reportedly been extended by another four years.
"When the knock-out stages come, the pressure will really be on. Guys with cool heads, who will not concede stupid penalties, are going to be needed."
Meyer selected two survivors – lock Victor Matfield and loose forward Schalk Burger – of the 2003 squad that made a timid quarterfinals exit to arch rivals New Zealand.
The pair plus wings JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana, De Villiers, Du Preez, fellow scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar, hooker Bismarck du Plessis and prop Jannie du Plessis were part of the triumphant 2007 squad.
Add six 2011 survivors, fullback Zane Kirchner, flyhalves Patrick Lambie and Morné Steyn, prop Tendai Mtawarira and loose forwards Willem Alberts and Francois Louw, and there are 15 Springboks with World Cup experience.
Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett expects a conservative game plan from former Bulls handler Meyer.
"It will be a tactical plan, which is basically a kicking game," he predicted.
"Expect a conservative brand. We will play off turnovers, a great defensive system and good set-pieces."
Agence France-Presse
