Springboks Defeat Fiji: Rugby World Cup

South Africa progressed to the Rugby World Cup semifinals on Sunday by eking out a hard-fought 37-20 victory over Fiji in a brutal but enthralling game in which no quarter was given.

With some monumental hits exchanged between two immensely physical sides, it was the Springboks' superior forward nous and power that finally ground down a Fijian side that were only 13-3 behind at the interval.

With just 11 minutes left, the Springboks were clinging to a 23-20 lead. Fiji was launching attack after attack. Ifereimi Rawaqa dived over the South African line in the corner. J.P. Pietersen, the Springbok winger, somehow rolled the giant lock forward onto his back to prevent him touching the ball down.

A minute later, South Africa had marched the length of the field, forcing a throw in five meters from the Fijian line. The Fijians, who had stood up to the feared Springbok lineout all afternoon, were penalized for a crooked throw.

Juan Smith picked up at the back of the ensuing scrum and strolled through a hole in the defense to score.

In the final minute Butch James cut through for a try that inflated the final margin.