Back three battle could be key in New Zealand, South Africa tussle

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - New Zealand vs South Africa - Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand - September 15, 2018 - South Africa's Willie le Roux celebrates after scoring a try. REUTERS/Ross Setford/File photo

TOKYO (Reuters) - South Africa fullback Willie le Roux says 'x-factor' players could hold the key to success when two of the best defences in the Rugby World Cup clash as New Zealand and South Africa meet in Pool B in Yokohama on Saturday.

The world champion All Blacks have shifted Beauden Barrett to fullback to accommodate Richie Mo’unga at flyhalf, and will also rely on the relative inexperience of Sevu Reece and George Bridge on the wings, who have only eight caps between them.