South Africa waltz into semi final

Captain and scrum half Fourie du Preez scored a try five minutes from time to secure two-time world champions South Africa a 23-19 victory over Wales in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

The try by the 33-year-old -- who is bidding for a second World Cup title after 2007 -- and 18 points from Handre Pollard saw the Springboks book a semi-final date next Saturday against the winners of defending champions New Zealand and France match.

For Wales coach Warren Gatland -- whose side reached the semi-finals four years ago -- it extended his woeful record against southern hemisphere sides with just two wins in 30 games.

Wales led the match 16-12 in the second half but a drop-goal and a penalty from Pollard put South Africa ahead 18-16.Wales then led once again 19-18 through a penalty but could not make headway as they opted to keep kicking the ball squandering possession until the South Africans who always played a controlled game scored the match-winning try through Du Preez who sneaked away on the blind side to touch down off a move five metres away.