South Africa did not concede a try in their three matches against Burkina Faso (38-0), Zimbabwe (36-0) and Tunisia (40-0), while they scored 18 tries in a good start to their title defence.

The only blemish on a good day of rugby was the head knock sustained by debutant Nompumelelo Mathe in the opening match against Burkina Faso, but for the rest it was smooth sailing.

Leigh Fortuin celebrated her debut with a try within two minutes of their opening match against Burkina Faso as the South Africans showed their intent early.

Two more tries in the half handed them a 19-0 lead in blustery conditions, but more was to follow in the second half, with an additional three tries added in a solid win.

Kemisetso Baloyi on the attack against Zimbabwe.

Their second match against Zimbabwe followed the same path. The South Africans were up 17-0 at the break with three tries and added three more in the second half. Liske Lategan scored a brace.

The match against Tunisia yielded six tries, with a hat-trick by outside back Ayanda Malinga a highlight. Nadine Roos scored a try and four conversions in the match for a tally of 37 points on the day, the leading mark in the tournament so far.

Quarter-finals on Sunday, 10 November (SA times, all matches live on Rugbypass.TV):
11h00: Kenya v Ghana
11h22: Uganda v Tunisa
11h44: Madagascar v Zambia
12h06: South Africa v Senegal

Scorers:

South Africa 38 (19), Burkina Faso 0 (0)
SA – Tries: Leigh Fortuin, Zintle Mpupha, Nadine Roos, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Maria Tshiremba, Zandile Masuku. Conversions: Roos (4).

South Africa 36 (17), Zimbabwe 0 (0)
SA – Tries: Liske Lategan (2), Ayanda Malinga, Maria Tshiremba, Fecilia Jacobs, Nadine Roos. Conversions: Nadine Roos (3).

South Africa 40 (28), Tunisia (0)
SA – Tries: Ayanda Malinga (3), Nadine Roos, Maria Tshiremba, Felicia Jacobs. Conversions: Roos (4), Zintle Mpupha.