Reaction as Boks reach last eight

1. Pool B FT: South Africa 64-0 United States
2. De Allende, penalty, Habana 3, Du Plessis, Louw 2, Kriel, Mvovo tries
3. South Africa into quarter-finals
4. Springboks suffered shock opening defeat by Japan
5. Listen to 5 live sports extra commentary in live coverage tab

Goodbye

So South Africa steamroll their way into the quarter-finals as Pool B winners, teeing up a humdinger against either Australia or Wales at Twickenham a week on Saturday.

Anyone betting against that being the day when Bryan Habana becomes the World Cup's outright leading try-scorer? Me neither.

Time for me to nip to the canteen before we sit back down for Namibia v Georgia at 20:00 BST. Join us again then.

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Stats of the day

• South Africa kept their opposition scoreless for the fourth time in a World Cup game, more than any other team in the competition’s history
• This was the biggest winning margin in this year’s World Cup and the first time a team has been kept scoreless in 2015
• This game saw the USA’s biggest defeat in World Cup history and their sixth biggest overall

Full-time

Positives for USA fans? Hmmm, well they did compete in the opening 40 minutes. But once South Africa received a half-time rollicking from coach Heyneke Meyer, the under-strength Americans could not cope with their nasty streak. Looks like the wooden spoon for them - unless their first-choice XV can nab that cherished win against Japan on Sunday.

Full-time

Maybe Jonah Lomu is upset. I can tell you he has not yet Tweeted about Habana being on the brink of breaking his record. Or maybe he is still snoozing down under.

Full-time

Bryan Habana will be more than happy with his evening's work - the South African wing bagged a hat-trick to move level with Jonah Lomu at the top of the World Cup try tree. But it could have been even better had he not spilled the ball with the line at his mercy in the final quarter of an hour. At least Jonah will be happy. We don't want to upset him.

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Full-time

BBC Sport

How did Japan do it?

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

When you watch the way South Africa dominate teams and put teams to the sword, it makes Japan's victory over them earlier in the tournament even more extraordinary."

Full-time

South Africa have, of course, now qualified for the last-eight with that ruthless victory. And that means the second quarter-final spot is a straight scrap between Scotland and Japan. It is simple enough for Scotland - beat Samoa and they are through to the knockout phase.

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Full-time

All over! Impressive display by the Springboks, particularly after the break when they really stuck their foot on the gas. That Japan defeat really has been consigned to World Cup history.

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Converted try - South Africa 64-0 USA

Heartbreak for the USA! Just as they looked to be on the verge of grabbing a late try, South Africa pull the rug from under them. The Springboks race clear on the counter, Lwazi Mvovo showing neat footwork that Steven Pienaar would be proud of, before scooping up to dive over.

Reuters

South Africa 57-0 USA

One more chance for the Americans? The London crowd are desperate for the USA to cross for a consolation try and there's a huge cheer as Brett Thompson breaks the Springbok line...

South Africa 57-0 USA

Bryan Habana is desperate to knock the mighty Jonah Lomu off his World Cup try-scoring perch. The South African flyer almost has another sniff down the right flank, but juggles the ball and play is hauled back by the referee. Final play...

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South Africa 57-0 USA

Damage limitation now for the Americans. If they hold out in the next five minutes then they won't suffer their heaviest World Cup defeat. That came in 2011 when they lost 67-5 to Australia. Small consolations and all that.

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Boks switched on

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

It's a feature of South Africa rugby they do the switch move better than any other team in world rugby. It seems to be a forgotten art over here."

Try - South Africa 57-0 USA

Too easy. Far too easy. Although it's easy to say that when you're not wearing you're not a weary American faced with a Springbok charging towards you. Jesse Kriel joins the try-scoring party, arcing through the American line, nipping in between a couple of half-hearted dives and bounding over. Another missed conversion from Morne Steyn though, he shakes his head as he trots back off to the halfway line.

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Try - South Africa 52-0 USA

The tries are arriving quicker than Tube trains at Stratford station now. Another driving maul ends in Francois Louw ducking out and over the USA line. That's his second try of the evening.

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South Africa 47-0 USA

"Get the ball out to Bryan!" The South African tactics are not rocket science. The Springboks are desperate for Habana to stick his name in the World Cup history books now. They work the ball out wide, looking for the winger who - almost unbelievably - mishandles with the line at his mercy. He grins. But he doesn't find it funny really.

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Habana joins Lomu

BBC Sport

'Wonderful Habana'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Habana just retains this wonderful enthusiasm. Whenever he scores a try you think it's his first because there is always a smile on his face."

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Try - South Africa 47-0 USA

He's in again! South Africa speedster Bryan Habana polishes off another chance quicker than I finish my dinner. Habana dashes along the touchline to cross for a second-half hat-trick - moving him level with Jonah Lomu as the World Cup's leading try-scorer. Big Jonah must know his reign is almost over...

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Converted try - South Africa 40-0 USA

Get ready to rip up that record book - it could be about to be broken! Bryan Habana races through to move one behind Jonah Lomu as the World Cup's record try-scorer. And you wouldn't bet against him breaking it against a fatigued USA side...

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Replacement

A trio of changes for South Africa as we approach the hour mark. Saracens's ever-smiling hooker Schalke Brits replaces Bismarck du Plessis, while Morne Steyn comes on for Handre Pollard. And the third switch is also in the front row, Tendai Mtawarira trudging off for Trevor Nyakane.

South Africa 33-0 USA

American legs are heavy and their minds are weary. They have little more than half an hour to avoid becoming the first side to be nilled at this tournament.

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'No mercy'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

If there's one team that shows no mercy when they play it's South Africa. That was all about pace and power. I hope this doesn't become a rout. The Eagles have played very well, but South Africa are playing free-flowing rugby."

Converted try - South Africa 33-0 USA

South Africa's driving maul is a thing of beauty. Dark blue shirts are ploughed out of the way by the Springbok juggernaut, with Francois Louw reaching out for the line. Handre Pollard, after that earlier blip with his boot, adds the extras.

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Replacement

Schalk Burger, whose rampaging run set the platform for that bonus-point try, is given a breather. The 32-year-old back-rower is replaced by Willem Alberts and is given a rapturous round of applause.

'Relentless'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

You sensed this second half was going to be 30 minutes too much for the United States. When it is constant driving, like South Africa can do... it's just relentless."

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Try - South Africa 26-0 USA

The Americans simply cannot cope with the South African scrum. You can almost feel the pain of the American props as they face another set-piece just five metres from their own line. Springboks number eight Duane Vermeulen spins out of the back, is clawed back juts short of the line, only for Bismarck du Plessis to pick up the pieces and steamroller over the line from close range.

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South Africa's lineout has not quite been impeccable today, but they do win a set-piece before Schalke Burger bursts through the USA line. Burger feeds the supporting Damien de Allende, who is held up as the Americans scramble back. The danger is not over though...

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'Try machine'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Boy, Habana is a try-scoring machine. It was a pretty good dive. I'd give him 9.5 out of 10 for artistic effort."

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Converted try - South Africa 21-0 USA

The question is, is Habana onside when Fourie du Preez kicks forward? The officials believe so, meaning Habana is now two behind Jonah Lomu's World Cup try scoring record. The South Africa wing races onto Du Preez's kick before swallow-diving over the USA line.

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Try review

Barely a minute has ticked by, and Bryan Habana races through to score. Or has he? Over to the TMO....

Kick-off

Right then, we're ready to rumble again. The Springboks restart the action...

Half-time

Plenty for the Springboks to discuss as they take a gulp of water in the dressing room at half-time. I say discuss...coach Heyneke Meyer is dishing out a serious lecture. Lots of expressive hands gesture as he tears into his players who are looking straight down at the floor. While they are yet to fire on all cylinders going forward, the main thing is they are winning - any victory will put them in the last eight remember.

Half-time

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Half-time

BBC Sport

'Tired South Africa'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That was a great first half, you have to hand it to the resilience of the United States defence. There are some tired bodies out there in the South Africa team."

Half-time

Referee Pascal Gauzere blows his whistle as South Africa head back down the Olympic Stadium tunnel with a comfortable lead. Steady if not spectacular from the Springboks. Little guile from the backline means the Americans have not been sliced open as much as they would have feared.

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South Africa 14-0 USA

Can the USA make this count? They'd be delighted with a 14-7 deficit at the break, I'm sure. Nope, the South African defence remain firm.

'Great moment'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I have to say for all neutrals in the crowd that was a great moment. That was brilliant by Scully, he was three or four metres ahead of Habana."

South Africa 14-0 USA

South Africa work the ball out wide to the right where the predatory Bryan Habana, back on the field after his earlier knock, lies in wait. However, USA full-back Blaine Scully outsmarts his opponent again, nipping in to intercept and streak down the left flank. A cluster of green shirts scramble back to haul him down, but the USA are on the charge...

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South Africa 14-0 USA

Springbok prop Bismarck du Plessis blasts through another hole in the USA defence, but is held up by some more last-ditch defending.

South Africa 14-0 USA

South Africa change tack as a raking pass out left almost puts in Lwazi Mvovo. But a pair of dark blue shirts scamper back to stop the South Africa wing.

South Africa 14-0 USA

The Americans are struggling to break out their own half at the moment. Two of their supporters - wearing dapper star and striped suits - can't bear to watch as the South African pack continue to punch holes in their team's defence.

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'Working hard'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"You have got to give teams like the United States enormous credit for their fitness levels and their desire not to let their country down. They are really working very hard for each other in defence."

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Converted try - South Africa 14-0 USA

South Africa continue to batter the American line, with ref Pascal Gauzere eventually growing tired of the USA's indiscipline at the scrum. The Frenchman awards the penalty try, Handre Pollard does the business with his boot and South Africa are cruising.

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Try review

Springboks fly-half Handre Pollard spots a gap in the USA defence, scampering through before being hauled back. South Africa smell blood here, recycling the ball as Jesse Kriel tries to barge over close the right touchline. Ref Pascal Gauzere goes to his colleagues in the stand, who rule that Kriel does not get the ball down under a pile of American bodies.

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Try review

South Africa 7-0 USA

Turns out that Habana and Scully aren't as fine as they initially led us to believe. Both men wander around gingerly as play resumes, with their respective coaches deciding to take a sensible course of action and replace them.

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Replacement

Turns out we downplayed the effects of that eye-watering aerial clash between Habana and Scully. Both men are gingerly wandering around the pitch when play resumes, before their respective coaches decide to be better safe than sorry and take them off.

Replacement

Actually, I have downplayed the effects felt by Habana and Scully from that eye-watering aerial clash. Both players are wandering around gingerly as play resumes, leading to their respective coaches to bring them off the field.

'Nasty'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

That looked pretty nasty but Scully had his eyes on the ball. I don't think there was any malice there from Bryan Habana."

South Africa 7-0 USA

Ouch! The whole of the Olympic Stadium is wincing after seeing South Africa speedster Bryan Habana crash into USA full-back Blaine Scully as the pair compete for a high ball. Habana looks sheepish as ref Pascal Gauzere has a word with his colleagues in the stands. But he survives a yellow card, with the officials realising that both men's eyes were fixed on the ball. Thankfully, neither bloke is seriously injured. Dazed,  confused, but not seriously injured.

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South Africa 7-0 USA

The beefy South African pack are dominating the scrum as you would imagine them to. USA scrum-half Niku Kruger quickly feeds in before his hooker gets the ball out as quickly as possible. But a poor kick from Blaine Scully puts them back under pressure.

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South Africa 7-0 USA

South Africa may have the try, but it is the USA who are dominating possession.

The Springboks have also made 37 tackles to five by the Americans.

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'Frustration for the Boks'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

You sense a bit of frustration from South Africa. Things are not going all their own way. The United States are competing well."

South Africa 7-0 USA

The Springboks might be ahead on the scoreboard (which is all that matters) but the USA have given themselves plenty of encouragement in these opening exchanges.   

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Missed penalty

South Africa find themselves in bother with the referee again, conceding another penalty as Eben Etzebeth makes a nuisance of himself at the breakdown. Again, the underdogs go for the posts - again they can't convert the opportunity. Niku Kruger lines up the kick, but sees his effort from just outside the Springbok 22 rattle the left upright. Close but not close enough.

South Africa 7-0 USA

South African prop Tendai Mtawarira - known as the Beast - is punished for savaging the scrum, giving the USA an opportunity to set up a platform. Centre Folan Niua storms through a gap down the left, to the delight of the Olympic Stadium crowd, before the Springboks regroup. However, the USA are set up nicely here...

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South Africa 7-0 USA

South Africa have so far made 19 tackles to only three by the USA - but the Eagles did miss about three when Damien de Allende scored...

South Africa 7-0 USA

That is a nightmare start for the Americans. We could have a cricket score on our hands unless they tighten up. South Africa back on the attack...

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'So much power'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

De Allende just stormed through what was left of the retreating American defence. It was route one, so much power from the young centre."

Reuters

Converted try - South Africa 7-0 USA

South Africa are encouraged by the success of their opening driving maul, set up another and win a penalty as the Americans become ragged. Quick-thinking from scrum-half Fourie du Preez creates space before the ball is recycled for Damien de Allende to scamper through for his first Test try. Far too easy.

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You know what you're going to get with the South Africa pack. Lots of wham and plenty of bam. The Springboks' big men drive forward for the first time, the USA already buckling....

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South Africa golfing legend and nine-time major winner Gary Player is watching....

Missed penalty

Centre Folau Niua is the man charged with teeing up from just inside the Springbok half. Silence around the Olympic Stadium. Niua gives it a big blast...he's got the line...has it got the legs? Nope. Niua slightly scoops his effort and the ball falls just short of the sticks.

Yellow card?

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Schalk Burger had his arm around the American player and wrestled him to the ground. It might even have been worthy of a yellow card."

Early bother for the Springboks. Flanker Schalk Burger goes high on USA centre Andrew Suniula, wrestling him to the turf by the scruff of his neck. Ref Pascal Gauzere blows up, but declines to dish out a yellow card to Burger. The USA decide to kick for the posts....

Kick-off

The United States have the honour of getting this party under way. And that they do when referee Pascal Gauzere toots his whistle for the first time.

'USA have blistering talent'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

I think the USA are a very interesting team who over time could become so competitive. There is no doubt they have got some blistering talent. I'm very excited about them, and I mean that sincerely."

Anthem time. The Springboks, all wearing some comfy-looking green loafing trousers, proudly belt out their lengthy ditty - but the Americans win the first battle. The USA team, some teary, stand with their hands across the chests. Patriotic stuff.

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South Africa v United States (kick-off 16:45 BST)

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer speaking to ITV: "There is such a short turnaround so we have gone for continuity with the team. We had a lot of injuries at the beginning of the tournament, and a lot of lads didn't get much game time.

"There are no easy games, we want to build on our results and keep some continuity

"We need to adapt to the conditions today, it is wet under foot so we need to be clinical and take the game to them.

"We went back to basics after the Japan game, have learned from that result and gone from strength to strength. You have to be humble in rugby, it keeps you on your knees. Every game is a challenge, this is a new opponent."

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Get Involved

Will South Africa reach the quarter-finals or will USA pull of mission impossible.

And can Bryan Habana edge closer to become the Rugby World Cup's top try scorer.

Get involved with the debate via Twitter #bbcrugby.

'Boks back on track'

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

I was very impressed with South Africa against Scotland. They were beaten by Japan and then they absolutely put Samoa to the sword. They were only going to follow that up with a physical performance against Scoland and they were thoroughly deserving of their victory. They are certainly back on track and I fully expect them to win here."

USA team news

USA coach Mike Tolkin has made 12 changes to the starting line-up that lost to Scotland on 27 September.

Only Phil Thiel, Samu Manoa and Blaine Scully have retained their place as the US target Sunday's clash with Japan as one which they have a (more) realistic chance of winning.

Matthew Trouville, Niku Kruger and Zach Test will make their World Cup debuts.

BBC Sport

South Africa team news

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer has made two changes from the team that beat Scotland.

Frans Malherbe will start at tight-head prop in place of Jannie Du Plessis and Lwazi Mvovo will start on the left-wing.

Bryan Habana shifts to right wing while JP Pietersen does not make the matchday squad.

Schalk Burger will make his 17th appearance in a World Cup match, equalling the team record of 17 by John Smit.

BBC Sport

Pool B's permutations

Stil LOTS to play for in pool B, as none of the teams have qualified for the quarter-finals yet.

• South Africa will qualify for the last eight and top the group if they beat USA.
• To remain in contention for third place, and automatic qualification for the next World Cup, USA need at least three points from today's match.
• Scotland will qualify if they beat Samoa on 10 October or if Japan fail to beat the USA on 11 October, as long as it is not a bonus-point draw for Japan.

BBC Sport

Uh oh - someone is going to be collared by the truancy police. The television cameras pick out a cheeky scamp in the crowd who is proudly holding up a banner which boasts 'I should be in school!' Let's hope his teacher isn't watching.

Both teams are lined up in the tunnel, South Africa captain Fourie du Preez looks a picture of calm as he shares a joke with his mascot.

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Habana the history man?

Little over three years ago, Usain Bolt scorched across a 100m stretch of the Olympic Stadium to etch his name into the history books. So it is quite apt that South Africa's own speedster - Bryan Habana - could also create history at the same venue.

Habana (12) needs two tries to overtake Doug Howlett (13) as the second top try scorer in RWC history, while three tries would take him level with Jonah Lomu’s overall record (15).

Habana scored two tries in South Africa’s 2007 encounter with the USA, one of three occasions he has scored multiple tries in a RWC match.

BBC Sport

Juggernauts

BBC coverage

On the move? Don't want to miss a kick, tackle or scrum? We've got all bases covered. As well as following our words here, you can also listen to live coverage of this match on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra right now.

And don't forget you can also stay across the action by signing up to the rugby alerts service available on the BBC Sport app.  

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Springboks eye Twickers

So that shock defeat left South Africa in a potentially sticky situation. Another slip against Samoa or Scotland would have left them staring a first pool-stage exit square in the face.

But a routine bonus-point win against the Samoans, followed by a brutish victory over the Scots, put the spring back in the Springboks' step.

More success in the grand surroundings of London's Olympic Stadium - against a nation which they have thumped every time the sides have met - will tee up a last-eight clash with either Australia or Wales at Twickenham a week on Saturday.

That's because any sort of win - standard or bonus-point - will wrap up top spot in Pool B for South Africa.

Grey clouds are ominously hovering over London's Olympic Stadium. Hope the punters sat in the front rows have packed their brollies. But the east London gloom is being pierced by the colourful fancy dress and face paint donned by both sets of fans...

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Springboks following Bannister's lead

That seismic defeat leaves South Africa needing to do something that no other team has ever done - winning the World Cup having lost at the tournament. And that's where the Springboks are seeking inspiration from athletics great Roger Bannister.

"There are so many examples of comebacks throughout the world, of things that people said could never happen," says Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer.

"They said the mile would never be run in under four minutes, and now everybody's running under four minutes. 

"I am a very positive person. I believe anything is possible, and I have been in situations where I've lost every single game, come back and won trophies."

Eighteen days ago the sporting world was shaken to the core. Japan, who had not won a World Cup game since 1991, beat South Africa. Yes, two-time world champions South Africa.

Giants of the international game - Jonny Wilkinson, Sir Clive Woodward and Jonah Lomu among them - couldn't sign into their Twitter accounts quick enough to bash out their exclamation in 140 characters or less.

Even acclaimed author JK Rowling reckoned Japan's win was outside the realms of reality. And she wrote Harry Potter for goodness sake.

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"Pah, no-one will ever be able to do that. It is impossible."

They said that about running a sub-four-minute mile. They said that about simultaneously holding all four golf majors. They said that about compiling a century of centuries in international cricket. 

But Roger Bannister did it. Tiger Woods did it. And Sachin Tendulkar did it.

Now South Africa are aiming to upset the rugby record books...

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