The fired-up South Africans opened up a sensational 3-0 lead inside 18 minutes, with Dayaan Cassiam, Mustaphaa Cassiam, and Tevan Kok all netting brilliantly against the bewildered Dutchmen.

A backhand rocket from Mirco Pruijser and a poacher’s goal from Thijs van Dam give the Dutch hope ahead of halftime, with Thierry Brinkman levelling matters six minutes after the break.

Goals from Mink van der Weerden and a second for Pruijser, brilliantly assisted by Brinkman, sealed all three points for the Netherlands, who finish the day sitting fourth in the pool. 

South Africa will target a first win against Belgium on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the women's team will be in action against Great Britain. 

The women's campaign also got off to a rocky start when they were stunned 2-0 by Ireland on Saturday.

- FIH