The Blitzboks won their opening two games against Tonga (45-5) and Argentina (25-10), but were surprised by the hosts who were desperate to make it into the quarters and have a chance at defending the crown they won last year.

The Blitzboks were outscored five tries to three as they went down 29-21 to Australia. This meant that three sides – South Africa, Australia and Argentina all ended the pool on seven points each, but the Blitzboks topped the pool with a better points difference.

Captain Phillip Snyman, who took a hard knock to the face against Tonga, sat out the rest of the day and an assessment will be made overnight on his fitness, with Kyle Brown on standby if he is not declared fit overnight.

The Blitzboks will face England in the quarter-finals (04:00 SA time).

Other Cup quarters will see Fiji take on Australia (03:16), New Zealand v France (03:38) and the USA v Spain (04:22).