The Blitzboks, who will face Spain in the final at 02h41 (SA time), kept their hot streak going following pool wins against France, Great Britain and Argentina, outscoring New Zealand four tries to one and never giving the Kiwi side a look-in at all.
The totally dominated the pace and tempo of the match and will look forward to their final against Spain, who outplayed Argentina in the other semi-final.
Shilton van Wyk opened the scoring in the first minute, pouncing on a loose pass from New Zealand after a lineout, kicking ahead and winning the race to the line. Ronald Brown converted for a 7-0 lead.
The second try by South Africa was more structured but still a thing of beauty. Selvyn Davids delayed his pass from a tap penalty and Quewin Nortje could race in to score under the sticks. Brown converted and the lead was 14-0 after four minutes of play.
The rampant Blitzboks scored a third try before the half-time buzzer when some crisp passing and hard running gave Van Wyk a second try in the opening seven minutes. Brown, whose pass freed up Van Wyk, converted from the sideline for a 21-0 lead.
The second half start was equally impressive. Brown’s spot-on cross-kick found Nortje in the corner for his second try, despite having his shirt ripped in two, to push the lead to 26-0.
New Zealand finally managed a play of note three minutes into the second half with a good move from within their half to score, but it was too little too late.
Scorers:
South Africa 26 (21) New Zealand 5 (0)
SA – Tries: Shilton van Wyk (2), Quewin Nortje (2). Conversions: Ronald Brown (3).
NZ – Try: Frank Vaenuku.