Blitzboks show grit in victories over USA and Australia on day one in Perth

In their first match, the Blitzboks were out of the blocks very fast for a 12-0 lead, but two converted tries by the USA before the break edged them ahead 14-12 at the halfway stage.

The USA scored the first try of the second half as well to push their lead out to 19-12 before Ronald Brown’s late try after sustained pressure pushed the Blitzboks past their opponents.

In Friday's second match against tournament hosts Australia, a brilliant defensive effort helped the Blitzboks to secure a 10-7 victory in a pulsating game played in wet conditions. Rain came down between their two matches and conditions could not be more different than the USA game.

However, what stayed the same was an excellent start by the South Africans followed by a lapse in intensity.

This time around the Blitzboks attacked in the opening spell and although it took a couple of minutes to get the first try, it came from pressure created by their attack.

After a good spell with ball in hand, the Blitzboks forced Australia into a defensive penalty and opted for a scrum 20m out from the try-line. Ricardo Duarttee broke away and fed Donavan Don, who scored. The conversion went wide.

A minute later, Dewald Human ran in unchallenged after a clever chip, only to lose the wet ball over the line.

The Aussues came back with a good try by James Turner, who got the better of Quewin Nortje. When Maurice Longbottom kicked the conversion, the hosts took the lead at the break.

The second half was highlighted by superb Blitzbok defence, as Australia failed to extend their lead despite enjoying good field position and possession.

In fact, the defence pushed the Aussies back further as they tried to find depth and finally panic set in. A spot tackle by David Brits with two minutes to go resulted in a handling error and Brits was quick to pounce to score what would prove the match winner.

The victory secured the Blitzboks a place in the quarter-finals with the final pool game against Argentina still to take place at 07h50 (SA time) on Saturday morning.