Pool C: Sth Africa - 60 Samoa - 10 It is a painful seven Tests and three years since South Africa last beat New Zealand and their chances of ending the run of losses in Saturday's quarter-final were dealt a severe blow yesterday when Joe van Niekerk was ruled out of the tournament.
Van Niekerk tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Springboks' victory over Samoa in Brisbane on Saturday and could be sidelined for up to six months. He will be flown home to consult a specialist and undergo surgery.
The injury was one notable incident from the match, which also included a fan running on to the pitch and attempting to tackle South Africa's Louis Koen.
The Queensland police have announced "additional strategies" to prevent a repeat of the incident.
The fan, a 29-year-old from Sydney, tried to tackle Koen from behind as he attempted to convert Neil de Kock's last-minute try. The conversion was successful but in the act of kicking the ball Koen made contact with the fan, who was knocked unconscious.
He was taken to hospital for observation and later released into police custody, where he was charged. He is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today.
The Springboks' eight-try rout of Samoa was built on a platform of raw forward power but the loss of Van Niekerk will lessen their effectiveness, and it could yet get worse for the coach Rudolf Straeuli.
The lock Victor Matfield (ankle) and prop Christo Bezuidenhout (knee) also picked up injuries and, although they are expected to play, both will have to prove their fitness before Saturday.
SOUTH AFRICA: Van der Westhuyzen; Willemse, Muller, Barry (Fourie, 70), Delport; Hougaard (Koen, 68), Van der Westhuizen (De Kock, 72); Bezuidenhout (Smit, 75), Smit (Coetzee, 56), Rautenbach (Bands, 56), Botha, Matfield, Krige (capt, Burger, 68), Van Niekerk (Rossouw, h-t), Smith.
Scorers: Tries: Van Niekerk, Muller, Hougaard, Smith, Willemse, Van der Westhuyzen, Fourie, De Kock. Cons: Hougaard 5, Koen 2. Pen: Hougaard. Drop-goal: Hougaard.
SAMOA: Vili; Fa'atau, Ropati (Rasmussen, 63), Lima, Tagicakibau; Va'a (Feaunati, 59), So'oialo (Tyrell, 73); Lealamanua, Meredith, Tomuli (Leupolu, h-t), Palepoi (Tuiavi'i, 68), Lafaiali'i, Poulous (Viliamu, 51), Fa'asavalu, Sititi (capt).
Scorers: Try: Palepoi. Con: Va'a. Pen: Va'a.
Referee: C White (England).
