The Springboks return to more familiar form in the Rugby World Cup, as David Ironmonger reports
South Africa booked their place in the knock-out stages of the Rugby World Cup, after they dismantled a willing but limited United States team 64-0 at the Olympic Stadium.
South Africa’s Bryan Habana scored a hat-trick of tries for a victory that means his team top Pool B. They will now face a mouth-watering tie against the loser of Saturday’s Pool A decider between Australia and Wales.
With his trio, Habana equalled Johan Lomu’s top try-scoring record of 15 at the World Cup. Both Habana and his teammates are hitting peak form at an ominous time for the rest of the challengers.
A devastating 20-minute spell in the second half in which the Springboks scored six tries, put paid to initial American resistance.
The USA rested numerous first-teamers ahead of a winnable match with Japan next week. If they win that and secure third in the group, it would mean automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup.
But the decision to field a virtual second string meant the Americans were largely helpless in the face of South African power and purpose.
The Boks made two changes from their win against Scotland last time out. Frans Malherbe moved into tight-head prop in place of Jannie Du Plessis, while Lwazi Mvovo started on the left-wing. Habana moved to right wing while JP Pietersen did not even make the squad.
The United States had the first real opportunity to open the scoring when they were awarded a 45-metre penalty, but they failed to convert, and South Africa rapidly established control of the first half.
First they capitalised on a USA mistake, as a quick tap-and-go penalty was taken by scrum-half Fourie du Preez, who found de Allende. He broke through for an early try and Pollock added a simple conversion.
The Americans quickly looked to get some points on the score-board, and they were given an opportunity with a Niku Krunger penalty kick, but he was unable to convert and hit the upright.
South Africa upped the tempo before the half hour, dictating three straight scrums and winning a penalty try after the referee warned the Americans about behaviour in each scrum. The kick was again converted by Pollock.
Although the half ended at 14-0, South Africa had assumed complete control of the scrum, and it could have been more had it not been for some resolute USA defence.
It was a different story in the second period. It took only took 62 seconds for South Africa to add to the score. Brian Habana latched onto a scrimmage kick by du Preez, returning it 30 metres for the try, but the on-field referee Pascal Gauzere had to check with the Television Match Official if Habana was offside before du Preez had kicked. The try was given and converted.
South Africa controlled another scrum against a tiring USA team. Hooker du Plessis went over to make it four tries and a bonus point, though Pollock missed the conversion.
The half continued with more Springbok supremacy and the USA barely making it out their half for the rest of the game.
Try number five came from Francois Louw. South Africa were just too powerful in the mall, and they went straight over the try line. This time Pollock hit the conversion.
Habana then made it six tries in that 20-minute flourish and put the game beyond doubt. A break at the line by de Allende opened a two-on-one situation which Habana finished for his second. Magically, he got his hat trick 90 seconds later after jumping on a loose ball.
The USA began to fall apart after South Africa once again pushed a mall over the try line, as Louw got his second of the game.
The second half destruction continued with Jesse Kriel cutting outside to outrun two defenders for his try, before Mvovo finished the game with a counter try after a brave USA attack ended with a knock on.
At half time the game may have looked like a contest but the South Africans blitzed the Americans in the second half with a stunning display of quick passing and pummelling set-piece play, which gave the USA their biggest defeat at a World Cup. South Africa, meanwhile, are getting back to business.