The Springboks romped to a masterful 49-3 victory over Fiji in their second World Cup group D game on Saturday in Wellington.
Six tries to none was enough for the Boks to prove they had fully recovered from a close 18-17 win over Wales in their opening game last Sunday.
It was a nervous first 20 minutes with both teams peppering each other’s 22-metre line with darting runs into opposition territory.
Frans Steyn got proceedings under way with a mammoth penalty kick from within his own half for the Boks’ first points in the 11th minute.
Fiji centre Seremaia Baikeinuku levelled matters at 3-3 nine minutes later, but after that it was all one way traffic.
Gurthr Steenkamp was the first to crash over in the 25th minute before the floodgates opened and tries were scored by Jacque Fourie, Frans Steyn, Morne Steyn, Tendai Mtawarira and Danie Russouw.
The brilliant display of running rugby by South Africa was complemented by accurate goal kicking from Morne Steyn who accounted for 16 points from his boot.
The number of points scored could have been even more but Morne Steyn uncharacteristically missed on three occasions in front of the poles.
The Springboks will be impressed with their performance after suffering several injury scares this week.
Man of the match Russouw adequately filled the boots of Victor Matfield at lock and Willem Alberts also showed his skills in the same position after replacing Bakkies Botha in the second half.
“We are very happy with this performance. It’s awesome we could adapt to the gameplan we had after a couple of injuries in midweek. I hope this shows the boys what can be done if you stick to your guns,” captain John Smit told reporters after the final whistle.
The Springboks face their next match on Thursday against Namibia.
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