The Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2015 quarterfinal round will kick start with an RWC fixture between South Africa and Wales on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Twickenham Stadium. South Africa finished top solo in Pool B after decimating USA 64-0, while Wales ended their group stage campaign with a 15-6 defeat over Australia.

The Springboks, which has been stimulated by the team’s stunning loss against Japan in their Rugby World Cup opener, will look to carry their momentum in their last eight-round matchup against Wales. Ever since bowing to the Brave Blossoms, the two-time RWC champion has put convincing performances, putting over Samoa, Scotland and USA.

However, Coach Heyneke Meyer will not take any chance of another defeat as he made minor changes to the team that thumped USA in the pool stage.

"We've seen first hand how important it is to have experienced players on the field at the end of a match and to have this kind of experience available on the bench in a knock-out match is great,” Meyer said, reports the BBC. "They have a good set-piece and some strong ball carriers up front and in the back - it's what you expect to face at this stage of the competition and we're very excited about the challenge."

South Africa has recalled JP Pietersen, who has recently recovered from a knee injury that ruled him out against the U.S. Eagles. Pietersen is restored on the right wing with Bryan Habana moving to the No. 11 jersey.

Meyer understands the importance of fielding experienced players in a knockout match against Wales, whom he expects to go head-to-head with his side. However, Meyer admitted that the Springboks are very excited for the challenge of facing the world No. 4.

Meanwhile, Wales has not announced their team lineup yet, but the Welsh are ready to face the Springboks despite their growing list of injuries. Wales coach Warren Gatland added Eli Walker to his squad, but the Ospreys wing will only be a spectator for the quarterfinals match, with George North starting on the wing. Gatland puts North to the left wing in place of injured Liam Williams, while Walker is considered to rest his hamstring strain for another week.

“In terms of numbers, injuries we have had, lost Liam Williams and looked at players currently available, it might be a position we need after this weekend,” assistant coach Rob Howley said, reports World Rugby. “Eli is not available this weekend for selection.”

Team lineup

South Africa XV: W le Roux; JP Pietersen, J Kriel, D de Allende, B Habana; H Pollard, F du Preez (capt); T Mtawarira, B du Plessis, F Malherbe, E Etzebeth, L de Jager, F Louw, S Burger , D Vermeulen.

Replacements: A Strauss, T Nyakane, J du Plessis, PS du Toit, W Alberts, R Pienaar, P Lambie, J Serfontein.

TV Guide

The Rugby World Cup 2015 South Africa vs. Wales quarterfinal match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 2 and Fox Sports 2HD on Foxtel, and Channel Nine’s GEM, according to The Roar. The match kicks off on Sunday at 2 a.m. AEDT.

Ticket Info

For the RWC 2015 quarterfinal round ticket info, visit World Rugby’s website for daily update of available tickets.

Latest odds

Sky Bet’s odds put South Africa as the favourite to win at 1/3, while Wales winning the match are at 11/4. The odds for a stalemate is 28/1.

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