Springboks must move on quickly after Japan shock, says Schalk Burger

South Africa great Schalk Burger called on the two-time champions to "write off" their stunning Rugby World Cup defeat by Japan despite calls for the coach Heyneke Meyer to be fired.

"We need to write it off and move forward as quickly as possible," Burger said as the South Africans moved base to prepare for their next game against Samoa on Saturday.

Burger said the Springboks had to quickly rebound. But there is painful soul-searching in their home country.

South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper predicted "Bok heads to roll" because of the defeat. Even the main Cosatu union said Meyer should go because he relied too much on white players.

The team was expected to close ranks, however, for the rest of the World Cup.

Veteran loose forward Burger was in the back row for the 34-32 defeat to Japan in Brighton, the biggest upset in World Cup history.

South Africa are in big trouble in pool B if they do not beat Samoa in Birmingham on Saturday.