SA overwhelm Canada, reach WC quarters

KOBE, October 8

Third-string scrumhalf Cobus Reinach scored a hat-trick of tries in 11 minutes as South Africa celebrated their 500th test by storming into the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals with a 66-7 victory over Canada today.

The Springboks ran in six tries in the first half hour at Kobe Misaki Stadium, and Canada's woes deepened a couple of minutes before half-time when replacement lock Josh Larsen was shown a red card for an illegal shoulder charge at a ruck.

South Africa were unable to maintain the same pace in the second half, and the short-handed Canadians scored a deserved try through flanker Matt Heaton in the 46th minute.

The Springboks still had very much the better of the contest, though, and four tries after the departure of Larsen sent them through to the knockout stages with three wins in four Pool B matches and a spring in their step. 

Centres Damian de Allende and Frans Steyn, wings Sbu Nkosi and Warrick Gelant, hooker Schalk Brits, full-back Damian Willemse and prop Frans Malherbe also crossed the tryline for South Africa. "It feels really good, especially after that performance," Bok skipper Siya Kolisi said. "I'm really proud of the boyshe addded.

Pacific players call for major rule changes

London: The head of the body representing Pacific region rugby players will fly to the Rugby World Cup tomorrow for crucial talks about improving the plight of those from countries such as Fiji, Tonga and Samoa who have failed to make an impact in Japan.

Tonga and former quarterfinalists Samoa have already missed out on a place in the last-8 this time, and defeat to Wales would put Fiji out of the tournament by the time Pacific Rugby Players (PRP) union chief Aayden Clarke arrives for meetings in Tokyo with governing body World Rugby. New Zealander Clarke is looking for significant changes to the regulations on the availability of players for national teams and on switching nationalities. — Reuters