Straeuli happy with rich blend

South Africa coach Rudolf Straeuli believes he has a squad rich in youthful talent but has also backed the importance of his veterans going into Saturday’s quarter-final against New Zealand in Melbourne.

Straeuli was heavily criticised for taking a young squad to Europe before the World Cup, where the Springboks were thrashed by England and also beaten by France and Scotland, and many called for the coach to be dumped.