Cobus Reinach of South Africa scores against Romania at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux. Photo: Getty Images/Lionel Hahn
South Africa scrum-half Cobus Reinach scored a hat-trick inside 25 minutes as his side cruised past Romania with a 12-try win in Pool B in Bordeaux.
Reinach's treble is the second-quickest in World Cup history - he holds the record after scoring three after 20 minutes against Canada four years ago.
Makazole Mapimpi also completed a hat-trick in the second half in a 76-0 win. In a destructive display, the holders had secured a bonus-point try in the 11th minute and led 33-0 at half-time.
"We came in with the goal to be dominant in all aspects and I think that's what the forwards did," Reinach said.
"They give you good platforms to play off and I was lucky enough to score off it."
The defending champions, who had beaten Scotland 18-3 in their World Cup opener last week, made 14 changes for the match against Romania in rainy Bordeaux, with only Damian Willemse keeping his place.They dominated from the off, with Reinach crossing inside three minutes before Mapimpi added a second try moments later.
Reinach went over again in the ninth minute and, after Willemse scored a bonus-point try two minutes later, the scrum-half completed his hat-trick, peeling off a scrum to cross with 25 minutes played. South Africa did not let up after the restart. Deon Fourie rolled over the line in the 43rd minute and the three-time winners secured a penalty try moments later.
Grant Williams put his side 52-0 up after 55 minutes, diving in following a brilliant solo run, and added another try seven minutes later. Mapimpi also added his second in the 64th minute, sprinting from the halfway line and going over in the corner.
He completed his hat-trick three minutes later, before Willie le Roux crossed with seven minutes remaining for the final score of a heavily one-sided game. South Africa, second in Pool B, face leaders Ireland in their next match in six days' time, while Romania play Scotland after a week off.
- BBC
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