South Africa defeated Canada 66-7 and qualified for the Quarterfinals, as well as a bonus-point win. The Springboks dominated possession in the first half and led 47-0 at the break.
South Africa tops Pool B with 15 points, with New Zealand with 14 points and Italy with 10. The All Blacks and Italy will face each other in their final pool match.
The winner between New Zealand and Italy will advance to the Quarterfinals.
South Africa has a 3-1 record as they opened the RWC with a 23-13 loss to New Zealand, a 57-3 win over Namibia, and a 49-3 win over Italy, as well as today’s win over Canada.
Canada is seeking its first win after losing 48-7 to Italy and 63-0 to New Zealand, and against South Africa. Canada concludes their RWC against Namibia on Saturday, with both teams seeking a win.
Match Recap
It didn’t take long for South Africa to score as outside center Damian de Allende scored a try from close range with Elton Jantjies adding the extras for a 7-0 lead. The Springboks extended the lead to 12-0 as they moved the ball left with wing Sbusiso Nkosi scoring in the left corner.
The Springboks added a third try after scrum-half Cobus Reinach chipped ahead and chased, gathered and scored. Elton Jantjies slotted the extras to lead 19-0.
Following a scrum infraction by Canada, the Springboks kicked for territory and mauled from the ensuing lineout. After a burst by RG Snyman, Cobus Reinach scored a brace, which earned the Springboks a bonus point and a 26-0 lead after Jantjies conversion.
From the restart, Warrick Gelant raced downfield and Cobus Reinach finished his hat trick under the posts, with Jantjies slotting to lead 33-0 after 20 minutes.
Warrick Gelant added a sixth try in the right corner with Jantjies adding the conversion to lead 40-0.
Canada attacked with a strong run by Jeff Hassler. Following a Springbok penalty, Canada kicked for territory and attacked from a lineout. A peter Nelson cross-kick was contested by DTH Van Der Merwe and a knock-on resulted in a scrum.
After a TMO, Josh Larsen red-carded for a shoulder charge on Thomas du Toit in the breakdown in the 36th minute.
The Springboks tried to capitalize on Canada being down a man and advanced to within a meter of in-goal before a knock-on resulted in a Canada 5-meter scrum. The Springboks pushed early and Phil Mack took a quick tap with Frans Steyn intercepting Mack’s pass and scoring an easy try. Jantjies slotted the extras for a 47-0 lead at the break.
During the first half, the Springboks had 76% of the possession and gained 379 meters to 67 for Canada. Set pieces were even, while Canada’s defense was tested and had to make 47 tackles to South Africa’s 17.
Second Half
Canada went on the attack from the second half restart and after a Springbok penalty kicked for territory instead of slotting a penalty goal to potentially avoid a shutout. Canada continued their attack from a lineout before a turnover allowed the Springboks to clear.
Canada maintained the pressure kicking for territory after another penalty by South Africa for not rolling away at the breakdown. A Jeff Hassler run from the lineout was finished by Matt Heaton for a try with Peter Nelson slotting the extras to cut the lead to 47-7. The first ten minutes of the half had Canada with 69% of the possession.
South Africa then placed Canada under pressure advancing the ball to within 5-meters of in-goal. Canada survived the pressure and advance the ball forward with a Jeff Hassler kick ahead, but the Springboks attacked soon after with hooker Schalk Brits scoring from close range. Jantjies added the extras for a 54-7 lead.
The Springboks moved the ball wide right with Gelantgrubbing the ball forward and Hassler carrying in-goal for a 5-meter South African scrum. The Springboks used quick hands left and with numbers, Damian Willemse added the team’s ninth try with Jantjies converting 61-7.
The Springboks added the 10th try by Frans Malherbe from close range to push the lead to 66-7.
Canada inspired play during the second half, made the half competitive, especially playing down a man.
With the win, South Africa qualified for the Quarterfinals and will face either Japan, Ireland, or Scotland. Player of the Match honors went to RG Snyman.
Squads & Match Preview
South Africa: 1. Thomas du Toit 2. Schalk Brits 3. Vincent Koch 4. RG Snyman 5. Franco Mostert 6. Siya Kolisi (capt) 7. Kwagga Smith 8. Francois Louw 9. Cobus Reinach 10. Elton Jantjies 11. Sbu Nkosi 12. Frans Steyn 13 Damian De Allende 14. Warrick Gelant 15. Damian Willemse 16. Malcolm Marx 17. Steven Kitshoff 18. Frans Malherbe 19. Eben Etzebeth 20. Pieter-Steph du Toit 21. Herschel Jantjies 22. Handre Pollard 23. Willie le Roux
Canada: 1. Hubert Buydens 2. Andrew Quattrin 3. Jake Ilnicki 4. Evan Olmstead 5. Kyle Baillie 6. Lucas Rumball 7. Matt Heaton 8. Tyler Ardron (capt.) 9. Phil Mack 10. Peter Nelson 11. DTH Van Der Merwe 12. Ciaran Hearn 13. Conor Trainor 14. Jeff Hassler 15. Andrew Coe 16. Benoit Piffero 17. Djustice Sears-Duru 18. Matt Tierney 19. Josh Larsen 20. Michael Sheppard 21. Jamie Mackenzie 22. Shane O’Leary 23. Guiseppe du Toit
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