9 Jun 2014

Six-try South Africa overwhelm World XV at Newlands

11:54 am on 9 June 2014

South Africa cast aside a rusty opening as they opened their international rugby season in style, notching six tries to crush a World XV 47-13 in Cape Town.

Hooker Bismarck du Plessis scored twice from rolling mauls in a much-improved second half showing after the Springboks took a narrow 18-13 lead into the break.

There were also tries for Bryan Habana and Bakkies Botha, both returning after a glory-filled season with Toulon in France, and late efforts by Johan Goosen and Willie le Roux.

The Springboks next host Wales for two Tests, followed by one against Scotland.