Gold: Breakdown battle will be pivotal to Springboks’ progression hopes

GARY GOLD believes an eagerly-awaited breakdown battle could prove the “defining factor” in tomorrow’s quarter-final.

Springboks openside flanker Heinrich Brussow and Australia’s David Pocock are set to go head-to-head in a clash that should go some way towards deciding which country meets New Zealand or Argentina at the semi-final stage next weekend.

“The breakdown will probably be the defining factor of the game this weekend for both teams, on attack and defence,” South Africa assistant coach Gold said.