Duane Vermeulen believes that the Springboks have not yet fired on all cylinders in France.
The strong loose forward wears the no. 7 jersey against Tonga in a Group B match in Marseille.
“Our game against Ireland was one of the best group games of the World Cup. However, I believe that there is still enough petrol left in our tank,” said Vermeulen.
“The team definitely still has a few things to work on, but we have to get it right now: There are no more second chances. Hopefully we can come up with a good performance against Tonga.”
According to Mzwandile Stick, the South Africans are not thinking about possible play-off matches at all; their full attention is on the showdown against the islanders.
“We have to win this game. We cannot afford to rely on other teams to boost our playoff chances. That’s why we have to win well and chase a bonus point,” said the Bokke’s assistant coach.
The match between South Africa and Tonga is on Sunday at 21:00 and the action is broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springboks: Willie le Roux (full back), Grant Williams (right wing), Canan Moodie (outside centre), André Esterhuizen (inside centre), Makazole Mapimpi (left wing), Handré Pollard (fly-half), Cobus Reinach (scrum-half), Jasper Wiese (eighth man), Duane Vermeulen (flank), Siya Kolisi (flank and captain), Marvin Orie (lock), Eben Etzebeth (lock), Vincent Koch (prop), Deon Fourie (hooker) and Ox Nche (prop). Substitutes: Marco van Staden, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Jesse Kriel and Manie Libbok.
Tonga: Salesi Piutau (full back), Fine Inisi (right wing), Malakai Fekitoa (outside centre), Pita Ahki (inside centre), Anzelo Tuitavuki (left wing), William Havili (fly-half), Augustine Pulu (scrum-half), Semisi Paea (eighth man), Sione Talitui (flank), Tanginoa Halaifonua (flank), Sam Lousi (lock), Halaleva Fifita (lock), Ben Tameifuna (captain and prop), Paula Ngauamo (hooker) and Siegfried Fisi’ihoi (prop). Substitutes: Sam Moli, Tau Koloamatangi, Sosefo Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Sione Vailanu, Sonatane Takulua, Patrick Pellegrini and Afusipa Taumoepeau.
