South Africa put in a power-packed performance to sweep past Fiji 49-3 and move one step nearer a knockout place.

Much like Argentina in the first Saturday game, the Springboks came out strong with an attacking style rarely seen in recent matches from their backline.

The defending champions outscored the Pacific Islanders six tries-to-nil and were in charge of the contest from the 26th minute when prop Gurthro Steenkamp dived over for the opening try.

Jaque Fourie capped a fine all-round performance with another before the break to give the Springboks a comfortable 21-3 half-time lead before Francois Steyn, Morne Steyn, Tendai Mtawarira and Danie Rossouw scored in the second spell as the South Africans ran the Fijians ragged.

The Springboks did not get off to the best start as Morne Steyn missed a straightforward penalty inside the opening two minutes then the ball was knocked on in a drive from a five-metre lineout.

Fiji tested the Springboks defence earlywith Dominiko Maiwiriwiri Waqaniburotu particularly prominent with ball in hand. But South Africa's defence stood firm and too often Fiji's final pass failed to stick and opportunities went begging.

The first points eventually came in the 11th minute with a mammoth 57-metre penalty from Francois Steyn.

South Africa could not benefit from the Pacific Islanders indiscipline at the breakdown as Steenkamp then Schalk Burger were held up just short after a lineout drive.

Fiji finally got on the board - with what turned out to be their only points of the night - with a Seremaia Bai penalty on 20 minutes.

But South Africa, who were without the injured Victor Matfield, Jean de Villiers and Bryan Habana, took charge from then on.

Steenkamp's try in the 26th minute was sparked by a good surging run from Francois Steyn, who looked to have blown an overlap before the ball was shipped out to the big loosehead prop.

Morne Steyn added the conversion then slotted a penalty when Fiji infringed at the breakdown again.

Fourie showed good finishing skills to dot down in the corner in the 35th minute after Sakiusa Matadigo bombed yet another high ball. But Morne Steyn could not add the extras then missed another penalty before slotting a three-pointer on the stroke of half-time.

The defending champions started the second half as they had ended the first and it wasn't long before Francois Steyn was dotting down for the Springboks' third try.

Danie Rossouw, who was a dynamo with the ball, got across the advantage line but it was the neat chip kick by Heinrich Brussow that set up the score.

Morne Steyn then got in on the act to secure the bonus point for the Springboks before Naipolioni Nalaga bombed a try for Fiji and it was Mtawarira and Rossouw who finished off the rout.

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