Boks win World Cup quarter-final spot with 64-0 demolition of USA

08 October 2015 - 02:18 By Craig Ray at Olympic Park

Springbok wing Bryan Habana dusted himself off from a horrific first-half mid-air collision to score a hat-trick of tries and write himself into Rugby World Cup folklore as the Boks secured top spot in Pool B. South Africa 64 (14) USA 0 (0)The flying wing scored three tries in a 21-minute spell after the break to move to 15 World Cup tries - equalling All Blacks great Jonah Lomu's World Cup record. In the process he also pulled level with Wallaby legend David Campese on 64 in Tests.And despite his personal heroics he honoured the Bok jersey by jogging 25m across field to embrace scrumhalf Rudy Paige, who came on for his Test debut in the 62nd minute.Habana also spilled a chance over the tryline moments later, to deny himself the outright record. If he doesn't solely hold the record by the end of the tournament, that moment might haunt him.The Springboks moved into the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals for a sixth consecutive time after a clinical dissection of the USA.After losing their opening match of the tournament to Japan three weeks ago, the Boks death notices were drawn up. But after a 10-try romp against a committed but outgunned USA the Boks go marching on to a quarterfinal date with either Australia or Wales at Twickenham on Saturday next week.The Springboks never looked under pressure but their first-half performance was a little flat, which could have been a result of their exertions against Scotland five days previously.Defensively the USA were superb in the first half - their line speed and accuracy stopped the Springboks' momentum.But the Boks turned the screw through their dominant set piece, especially the scrum, to put the Americans under pressure.Schalk Burger caused a few worries when, with typical commitment, he flung himself on a loose ball, only to cop a knee in the ribs. He will be feeling that for a few days. He was withdrawn in the 47th minute to rapturous applause, but it didn't become any easier for the USA as Willem Alberts, in full bone-crushing glory, entered the arena and the carnage continued.South Africa - Tries: Damian de Allende, penalty try, Bryan Habana (3), Bismarck du Plessis, Francois Louw (2), Jesse Kriel, Lwazi Mvovo. Conversions: Handré Pollard (4), Morné Steyn (3)...

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