POOL D South Africa v Wales:WALES COACH Warren Gatland has tipped Sam Warburton to leave a lasting impression on the Rugby World Cup.
Warburton will become the youngest World Cup captain, aged 22 years and 341 days, when he leads Wales against Pool D favourites South Africa tomorrow.
It gives the Cardiff Blues flanker an immediate opportunity to test himself against one of the world’s best opensides in South African Heinrich Brussow.
And Gatland believes his skipper will win an army of new admirers when they witness the form that has impressed European audiences over the past 12 months.
“There are three definite what I consider world-class (openside) players at the moment in terms of (David) Pocock, (Richie) McCaw and Brussow,” said Gatland.
“And I would rate Sam in that category as well. A lot of people haven’t seen a lot of Sam Warburton, but I think he will create an impact after a few games in this World Cup.”
Warburton, who captains a team containing nine World Cup debutants, will need to boss the critical breakdown area if Wales are to have any chance of registering only their second win in 105 years against the Springboks.
Gatland has recalled centre Jonathan Davies, hooker Huw Bennett and prop Adam Jones.
WALES: J Hook; G North, J Davies, J Roberts, S Williams; R Priestland, M Phillips; P James, H Bennett , A Jones; L Charteris, A-W Jones; D Lydiate , S Warburton (capt), T Faletau. Replacements: L Burns, R Bevington, B Davies, A Powell, T Knoyle, S Williams, L Halfpenny.
SOUTH AFRICA: F Steyn; JP Pietersen, J Fourie, J de Villers, B Habana, M Steyn, F Du Preez; T Mtawarira, J Smit,, D Rossouw; J Du Plessis, V Matfield; H Brussow, S Burger,P Spies. Replacements: B Du Plessis, G Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde, J Muller, W Alberts, F Hougaard, B James.
Referee: W Barnes(England)
