South Africa is through to the semi-final stage of the 2019 Rugby World Cup after overcoming the host team, Japan, on Sunday.

The Springboks took an early lead after some good work from Makazole Mapimpi, who touched down in the corner after four minutes of play, forcing his way past three Japanese defenders.

The hosts responded in the 19th minute, converting a penalty kick to set the game up for some good rugby display from both sides.

The first half ended 5-3, but the South Africans got the better of the hosts to win the game 26-3.

The win means the Springboks will face Wales in the semi-final as they continue their title chase, which would take their Rugby Word Cup tally to three.

South Africa made it to the quarter finals after finishing second in Group B with 15 points, one behind defending champions New Zealand.

The other quarter-final games saw the All Blacks rout Ireland, England beat Australia, and Wales edge France.

New Zealand will play England in the second semi-final game.

Of the four remaining teams, only Wales has never won a Rugby World Cup, their best performance coming in 1987 when they made it to the semi-finals.

New Zealand has won the title three times before, including the last two editions, while South Africa has won two titles and England one.