The Blitzboks set up a semi-final meeting with Samoa following a 35-12 victory over Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
It was another polished performance from Neil Powell's men, despite conceding their first points of the tournament. Laden with pace, the South African side simply had too much firepower for the Scots to handle, despite losing Sevens star Branco du Preez midway through the first half.
Having raced out to a 21-0 lead courtesy of tries from Cornal Hendricks, Du Preez and Cecil Afrika, the Scots fought back at the tail-end of the first half and the beginning of the second to close the gap to nine points. It would be as close as they would come, as further tries from Seabelo Sentala and Afrika wrapped things up for the visitors.
The victory ensured that all four of the semi-finalists hail from south of the equator, with New Zealand facing their antipodean rivals Australia in the other semi-final.
South Africa – Tries: Cornal Hendricks, Branco du Preez, Seabelo Senatla (2), Cecil Afrika. Conversions: Branco du Preez (2), Cecil Afrika (3).
Scotland – Tries: Mark Bennett, Lee Jones. Conversion: Colin Gregor
Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images
