In contrast, the men produced one of their finest performances of the tournament to hold three-time champions Australia to a thrilling 2–2 draw in Wavre. At the Wagener Stadium, the South African women were up against an unbeaten Chinese side and were forced onto the back foot early when Zou Meirong opened the scoring in the fourth minute.

South Africa grew into the contest and produced their best spell of the first half during the second quarter. Their pressure was rewarded in the 25th minute when Paris-Gail Isaacs converted a penalty corner to bring the Africans level at 1–1.

Proteas women. Photo: World Sport Pics/FIH

The joy was short-lived, however, as China immediately regained the lead through Zhong Jiaqi from another penalty corner. Yu Anhui then added a third in the 30th minute, leaving South Africa 3–1 down at half-time after a damaging five-minute spell.

The South Africans responded well after the interval and kept China scoreless during the third quarter. Their defence frustrated a side that had already shown its attacking quality earlier in the tournament, leaving South Africa with a chance of mounting a comeback in the final 15 minutes.

China, though, quickly extinguished those hopes. Chen Yi scored from open play shortly after the restart before Zou Meirong completed her brace to seal a 5–1 victory.

The defeat ended South Africa’s Pool D campaign following matches against England, India and China. While there were encouraging moments, the tournament once again highlighted the fine margins at the highest level of international hockey.

China finished the pool stage on seven points and progressed to the next phase, while South Africa will now contest the 9th–16th classification phase, with an opportunity to finish the tournament strongly.

Hans Neethling. Photo: World Sport Pics/FIH

The men’s team, meanwhile, delivered a performance full of character against Australia at the Belfius Hockey Arena.

South Africa made a dream start when Mustapha Cassiem converted a penalty corner in the fourth minute to give the African champions a 1–0 lead.

Australia, who had won their opening two Pool C matches, struggled to find a way through a disciplined South African defence. Even when South Africa were reduced to 10 players following a yellow card for Kenton Melville, the Kookaburras could not capitalise.

South Africa carried their lead into half-time before Australia finally found a breakthrough in the 38th minute, with Joel Rintala converting a penalty corner to make it 1–1.

Ky Willott then put Australia ahead in the 43rd minute, but South Africa showed tremendous resilience. Cassiem struck again from a penalty corner just a minute later to level the scores at 2–2.

There was further drama when Blake Govers appeared to score on the third-quarter hooter, only for the goal to be ruled out following an umpire referral.

Jaime Seale. Photo: World Sport Pics/FIH

Neither side could find a winner in the final quarter as South Africa’s defence held firm to secure a deserved draw.

The result ended Australia’s perfect run, although they still finished the pool stage unbeaten on seven points. For South Africa, the point represents a major boost after earlier defeats to Spain and Ireland.

Most importantly, the performance demonstrated what the team can produce when its defensive discipline, attacking intent and belief come together. Cassiem was the standout performer, scoring twice against one of the world’s leading hockey nations.

Jared Cass. Photo: World Sport Pics/FIH

Both South African teams now turn their attention to the 9th–16th classification phase, where they will look to end their respective World Cup campaigns on a positive note.

At 09:30 on Friday, the women will be in action against Japan, while at 11:00 in Wavre, the men will take on France. Recently, France beat South Africa in the final of the FIH Nations Cup in Cape Town.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm