Burger returns after two-game ban

Back-row forward Schalk Burger will return from suspension for South Africa's World Cup Pool A clash with the United States on Sunday.

The Stormers player missed the wins over England and Tonga after he was suspended for a dangerous tackle during his side's opening victory over Samoa.

Burger will start at number eight in a team that shows 13 changes from the side that squeezed past Tonga 30-25.

Lock Albert van den Berg and flanker Wickus van Heerden keep their places.

The back-line is completely refreshed, with the likes of full-back Percy Montgomery, winger Bryan Habana and scrum-half Fourie du Preez all present.

Hooker John Smit returns as captain for the game in Montpellier and takes the armband off number eight Bobby Skinstad, who is demoted to the bench.

The Springboks give winger Akona Ndungane his first start in the tournament, while Van den Berg plays in his 50th Test.

"Akona hasn't had a game at the World Cup, and I think it's only fair that everyone has an opportunity to play here and he gets his start," said coach Jake White.

Danie Rossouw has recovered from a knock in South Africa's win over Tonga but full-back Percy Montgomery faces a fitness test on a calf injury.

The Springboks, who have a 100% record, have already qualified for the quarter-finals by finishing top of their pool.

They will face either Wales or Fiji in the last eight.

South Africa: Montgomery; Ndungane, Fourie, Steyn, Habana; James, Du Preez; Du Randt, Smit (capt), BJ Botha, Van den Berg, Matfield, Van Heerden, Smith, Burger.
Replacements: Du Plessis, Van der Linde, Bakkies Botha, Skinstad, Pienaar, Pretorius, Pietersen, Olivier.

Source: BBC Sport