Heavyweight South Africa rattled up its biggest World Cup win in a 72-6 rout of easybeat Uruguay in the opening pool C match in Perth Saturday night.

The Springboks outclassed and outmuscled the second-rate South Americans, scoring 12-tries-to-none at Subiaco Oval.

South Africa's hit-out was a timely confidence-booster for the 'Boks ahead of their pivotal match against world No.1 England next Saturday.

Coach Rudolf Straeuli would have been delighted with the way his backline clicked at times while the forwards were given a stern workout by a gallant Uruguayan pack.

The Uruguay side, which is made up of numerous amateurs, was never expected to be more than mere fodder for the Africans in ideal conditions.

The 'Boks previous biggest World Cup win of 47-3 over Spain in 1999 at Murrayfield looked in danger from the opening whistle in front of a 17,000-strong crowd.

South Africa had won the only international between the two countries 39-3 four years ago in Glasgow.

Stand-in captain Joost van der Westhuizen stood side by side and firmly gripped black prop Lawrence Sephaka as a sign of unity during the playing of the national anthem.

It was a message to be sent back home that the race row which embroiled the team before the tournament was not affecting the 'Boks.

The veteran halfback then set about demolishing the Uruguayans with two tries in the opening six minutes on his way to a hat-trick.

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