South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer: 'Picking Jean de Villiers a difficult decision'

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer has revealed that sticking by captain Jean de Villiers for the Springboks' second match of the Rugby World Cup was "one of the most difficult decisions" he has ever had to make.

De Villiers was one of a number players criticised for their performance during South Africa's surprise opening-weekend defeat to Japan.

Meyer this morning named his starting XV for Saturday's showdown with Samoa in Birmingham and De Villiers was one of seven players, including only two backs, to keep their place.

"It was one of the most difficult decisions of my life to make," Meyer told reporters when asked about sticking by De Villiers.

"You are almost in a lose-lose situation because if you don't pick your captain and you lose, they say you should have picked your captain, and if you do pick your captain and you lose, then you shouldn't have stuck with your captain.

"It's not an emotional decision. I thought about it long and hard and came to the conclusion that this is a must-win game and who are you going to back?"

After leading his team out against Japan, 34-year-old De Villiers has captained the Springboks 36 times. Only John Smit (83) has skippered the team on more occasions.