Fit again scrum half Fourie du Preez is the key man for South Africa at this Rugby World Cup according to head coach Heyneke Meyer.
The Springboks have recovered from a shock defeat 34-32 to Japan in their tournament opener to all-but secure their spot in the knock-out stages.
Ulster’s Ruan Pienaar played scrum half against Japan, though du Preez was rushed back into action for back-to-back wins over Samoa and Scotland in Pool B.
They now have their destiny in their own hands, with their final group match against USA on Wednesday.
"I think we've still got a lot to work on but I have to give Fourie a lot of credit; he was brilliant on Saturday (against Scotland)," Meyer said
Meyer handed the captaincy to du Preez in the absence of Victor Matfield, who took over from Jean de Villiers, who announced his retirement from test rugby after suffering a broken jaw against Samoa.
"Fourie kept the guys calm. He ensured the team stuck to the plan and really managed that 10-12-13 combination well."
Du Preez, quiet and unassuming off the pitch, admits to nerves despite his experience in winning the 2007 World Cup in France where he also played a key role.
"I haven't felt pressure like this before," he said of the week leading up to the Scotland game. "I'd say there's been more pressure on us now than there was in that 2007 World Cup final.
"We had to slow down the game, and really grind out the result (against Scotland). We had a lot to lose in this fixture."
