South Africa call up Handre Pollard ahead of Ireland clash

South Africa have called up out-half Handre Pollard to their World Cup squad as an injury replacement, significantly strengthening their selection ahead of Saturday's Pool B showdown with Ireland, after injury forced them to leave him out initially.

Pollard, who helped kick South Africa to World Cup success four years ago, replaces hooker Malcolm Marx.

Marx suffered a serious knee injury in training last week.

The Boks had a fine day at the office on Sunday, thumping Romania 76-0, but there is concern about another possible injury in their squad as Vincent Koch missed out after hurting himself in the pre-match warm-up.

Coach Jacques Nienaber said the prop hurt his knee but the extent of the injury was not yet clear.

"There is a bit of injury worry within the side so we will look and assess and make a decision," Nienaber told reporters.

South Africa face Ireland at the Stade de France in Paris in a match likely to settle the top two in the pool and decide who plays France or New Zealand in the quarter-final, barring any major upsets.

"We've got a short turnaround, so we'll enjoy tonight but in a controlled manner and we'll start making plans for Ireland tomorrow," added Nienaber.

"It will be a big game in terms of who finishes one or two in the pool ... maybe not, we still have Tonga, we are only halfway, I don't want to get too far ahead.

"It's going to be a tough quarter-final no matter who we play. We can't control that, destiny will decide."

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