The Blitzboks thrashed Russia 50-0 and Scotland 31-0 on day two of the Hong Kong Sevens.
South Africa lost 21-14 to England on Friday, but their results on Saturday mean Neil Powell’s men go through as Pool B runners-up and will meet the USA, who topped Pool C, in the quarters on Sunday.
Seabelo Senatla, who went from hero to villain in the match against England, scored twice on Saturday to take his tally at the top of the try-scoring charts to 46 for the season.
In the opening encounter on Saturday, the Blitzboks scored eight tries to hammer Russia. Scores by Ruhan Nel, Branco du Preez and Senatla gave South Africa a 19-0 lead, before they ran riot in the second half with five-pointers by Kwagga Smith, Cecil Afrika, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Justin Geduld and Stephan Dippenaar to complete the rout.
South Africa met a little more resistance in the tough clash against Scotland and had to ground out the victory. Scotland defended well in the first half and didn’t give the South Africans any space. But the Blitzboks did manage to wear down the stern defence when Nel scored a double on the stroke of half-time for a 14-0 lead.
The Blitzboks continued to dominate the set pieces after the restart and were rewarded with three more tries by Senalta, Soyizwapi and Dippenaar. Geduld skewed the two touchline conversions, but slotted third to wrap up another convincing win.
Sunday's Cup quarter-final lineup:
New Zealand vs Wales (04:58)
South Africa vs USA (05:20)
Fiji vs Kenya (05:42)
England vs Australia (06:04)
Photo: Isaac Lawrence/AFP Photo
