South Africa 21

Australia 0

South Africa took a step closer to defending their World Rugby Classic title with a comfortable win in the first semi-final at the National Sports Centre last night.

The Springboks ran in three tries through Jan Harm van Wyk, Deon Kayser, and Pieter Joubert, and with six points coming from the boot of Breyton Pulse remain favourites to retain their title.

Australia in contrast had one of those days when they just could not find a way through the Springbok defence, and despite some uncompromising forward play never really managed to threaten.

Too often a loose pass, or a poor option left them on the back foot, and when they did get into the South African 22, they were invariably turned over.

It would be wrong to suggest however that the Springboks had everything their own way, and Australia certainly made them fight for their win. It was the second tough game in succession for South Africa, following their bruising encounter with the French, and they can expect another tough game in the final against either the All Blacks or Classic Lions who meet tonight.

"I thought the Aussies really came at us, especially at the breakdown, they were really physical and it was quite surprising," said South African centre Robbie Fleck. "They usually throw it out wide and they really came at us upfront, and for the first 15-20 minutes there was nothing in it. But the boys dug deep and we're very happy with the win.

"I think the French game helped us. Traditionally we don't start off too well and we definately picked it up a notch this evening and I think the French physically prepared us for this game but I thought Australia shocked us upfront early on but all credit to the Aussies, they really came at us.

"I think both the All Blacks and Classic Lions are going to be tough in the final. Both are looking quite good, they both played really well Monday night, they also had tough games and they'll be physically prepared for the final as well.

"Tomorrow night's going to be a big battle and we're hoping that it takes a little bit out of both them come the final on Saturday."

After a time away from the game Robbie Fleck is back the Classic for second year, and while some older players may think about stopping, Fleck has no desire to hang up his boots just yet.

"I'm loving it. This is what my year is all about, I look forward to the tournament every year," he said. "This is my second year now, and I'm hoping a couple more years in the future.

"After retiring there was three years gap when I was in the wilderness and then suddenly this tournament came along for me and I'm loving every minute."

Van Wyk's try put South Africa on the road to the final, and it came after some solid work in the forwards had turned the Australians over in their own half. It was to be the story of the game, with South Africa slow asserting their dominance and making the Wallabies pay at key moments.

The second followed quickly after with Fleck beginning the move that finally saw Kayser race away and score under the posts, once Joubert had added a third soon after the interval the game as a contest was over.

In last night's other game between France and Canada in the Plate semi-final, the French completely dominated their opponents, running in five tries and leaving the Canadians pointless for the second game in succession.

From the moment that Gerard Orsoni broke down the blind side, broke a couple of tackles and dove over the line, the French never looked like losing.

They continued to wrack up the points at regualr intervals in the first half with Pascal Bomati grabbing two either side of a Thomas Lombard try, as France took a 22-0 lead at half time.

Less than two minutes after the break they scored again as Pierre Bondouy held off several tackles to crash over, and that was that as far as the scoring went.

The second half then descended into a rather scrappy affair with scuffles breaking out at regular intervals, and eventually the French were reduced to 13-men when the otherwise lenient Derek Bevan decided enough was enough and sent Thierry Louvet and Stephane Carella to the sin bin.

It made little difference to the Canadians who conceded 60 points over two games without scoring a single one in reply. For France they go onto the Plate final where they will face either the USA or Argentina who play tonight.