"Every game at the Rugby World Cup must be played as if it is your last".

These are comments made by the South African Sports Minister, Fikile Mbalula to the Springbok rugby team ahead of their match against Samoa.

In a message to the SA Rugby Union, the Springbok team management and the Boks players, Mbalula wrote that they expect the players to be firing from all cylinders in this game.

The defending champions need only one point from their last pool game to reach the playoffs.

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

Looking at some of the players that will play for South Africa include Pat Lambie, JP Pietersen, Bryan Habana, Morné Steyn, Fourie du Preez and captain Victor Matfield.

From Samoa this include Paul Williams, Seilala Mapusua, Tusi Pisi, George Stowers and captain Mahonri Schwalger.

The Springboks and Samoa match kicks off at 7:30pm on Friday.

Story by: Selina Navuso
Source: Press Association