South Africa v Romania LIVE: Rugby World Cup result and reaction as Springboks run riot

South Africa 76-0 Romania: The Springboks thump the Oaks with a 12-try thrashing in Bordeaux

(PA)

South Africa thrashed Romania 76-0 to secure a bonus-point win in Bordeaux and mirror the ominous form shown by Pool B leaders Ireland in the Rugby World Cup’s toughest group.

The Springboks, despite 14 changes from the win versus Scotland in their opener, were merciless against Romania, who beat the 74-point margin from their 82-8 opening loss to Ireland, racking up the bonus point inside 20 minutes.

After missing out on a bonus point in their opener, South Africa’s goal was to score as many tries as possible to keep up with Ireland and ran in a dozen with scores for Cobus Reinach (3), Makazole Mapimpi (3), Damian Willemse, Deon Fourie, Grant Williams (2) and Willie Le Roux as well as a penalty try.

Few teams in World Cup history have had tougher opening fixtures than Romania after they faced an Ireland side on a 13-game winning streak and now the world champions but they look a shadow of the side that posed a real threat in the 1990s.

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South Africa vs Romania latest updates

• South Africa thrash Romania with a 12-try showing their second Rugby World Cup game
• FULL-TIME! South Africa 76-0 Romania
• 74’ - TRY! Le Roux gets his first World Cup try (RSA 76-0 ROM)
• 67’ - TRY! Mapimpi completes his hat-trick (RSA 71-0 ROM)
• 63’ - TRY! Mapimpi races clear down the left for long-range score (RSA 64-0 ROM)
• 62’ - TRY! Williams crashes over after neat move off the scrum (RSA 59-0 ROM)
• 55’ - TRY! Williams shows his pace for an eighth try (RSA 52-0 ROM)
• 53’ - TRY! The Springboks scrum earns a penalty try (RSA 45-0 ROM)
• 43’ - TRY! Fourie rumbles over from a driving maul (RSA 38-0 ROM)
• 24’ - TRY! Reinach completes his hat-trick from close range (RSA 33-0 ROM)
• 12’ - TRY! Willemse wraps up the bonus point inside 12 minutes with an individual score (RSA 26-0 ROM)
• 9’ - TRY! Reinach races through a gap at the base of the ruck for a simple try (RSA 19-0 ROM)
• 7’ - TRY! Mapimpi goes over after a neat inside pass from Le Roux (RSA 12-0 ROM)
• 3’ - TRY! Reinach snipes over from the scrum (RSA 5-0 ROM)

[17 September 2023 18:18 · Luke Baker]

Australia 8-19 Fiji, 63 mins

The Fiji lineout isn’t functioning well though, a Tevita Ikanivere overthrow gives the ball immediately back to the men in gold.

Referee Andrew Brace then has a word with Tuisova about a high tackle. Another chance for the Wallabies in the opposition 22 though...

[17 September 2023 18:16 · Luke Baker]

Australia 8-19 Fiji, 60 mins

Good scrum by the Wallabies - Fiji are punished for letting it wheel and Australia can kick up to the 22.

Ball secured at the lineout but yet again, it’s a Fiji turnover. Their breakdown work has been amazing. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta gets over the ball and jackals it away. Superb!

[17 September 2023 18:12 · Luke Baker]

Australia 8-19 Fiji, 58 mins

The Wallabies have lost a lot of experience and know-how with White and Slipper exiting proceedings.

They’ve got a decent platform to work off here though. It’s scrappy with the ball hitting the ground but going backwards. Marika Koroibete then makes a few yards.

BUT IT’S A TURNOVER! Great work five metres out by Tuisova to get over the ball and Fiji can clear. Superb breakdown work again.

[17 September 2023 18:10 · Luke Baker]

Australia 8-19 Fiji, 56 mins

A couple of Australia changes as Issak Fines-Leleiwasa is on at scrum half for Nic White and James Slipper is off for Zane Nonggorr.

Fiji changed their entire front row a short while ago as well.

[17 September 2023 18:09 · Luke Baker]

Australia 8-19 Fiji, 55 mins

The Wallabies finally with a bit of territory and they secure a lineout just outside the Fijian 22. The Fiji defence up quickly to limit the yards they can make though.

Then they counter-ruck and think they’ve secured a turnover but Semi Radradra knocks on as he tries to pick up the ball they’ve secured.

[17 September 2023 18:05 · Luke Baker]

WATCH: Tuisova pounces as Wallabies watch the ball bounce

Here was Tuisova’s try that has put Fiji in control. Question marks surrounding the Australia defence.

[17 September 2023 18:04 · Luke Baker]

Australia 8-19 Fiji, 51 mins

Ah, missed opportunity for Fiji! They surge forward and go wide to the left but Botia’s skip pass is just too far in front of Radradra.

He had space in front of him if it went to hand... Fiji piling the pressure on though.

[17 September 2023 18:01 · Luke Baker]

MISSED PENALTY! Australia 8-19 Fiji, 49 mins

An immediate test for Frank Lomani’s kicking after replacing Kuruvoli... Uh oh. He drags the penalty wide of the left post. IT was eminently kickable, just outside the 22, although left of centre. Hmmm...

To be fair, we don’t know whether Kuruvoli was actually injured or just had cramp but if he could’ve stayed on and that was a tactical substitution, then Fiji may live to regret it.

[17 September 2023 17:58 · Luke Baker]

Australia 8-19 Fiji, 46 mins

A big change for Fiji. Goal-kicker extraordinaire Simione Kuruvoli taken off to be replaced by Frank Lomani. I wonder if Kuruvoli limping after that bit of cramp has anything to do with it?

He’s kicked like a dream today, although Lomani is probably the more explosive scrum half in the open field. How will his kicking be?

[17 September 2023 17:56 · Luke Baker]

Australia 8-19 Fiji, 45 mins

Kuruvoli now down with cramp - it’s not easy putting your team on your back to be fair... He looks ok to continue.

Australia haven’t had sustained possession for a while but are set up in the Fiji half here after a great lineout steal.