By Jim Stokes BBC Sport in Australia

The 1995 World Cup champions South Africa eased their way into the global extravaganza in Perth with an expected timid opener against Uruguay here at the Subiaco Stadium.

But there was nothing evident in South Africa's artillery that would make England's fillings rattle in fear ahead of next Saturday's Pool C head-to-head.

True, South Africa won easily, running in 12 tries and looking dangerous every time they went forward with the ball in their hands.

Flanker Danie Rossouw made good use of the space

But England will not afford the Springboks the same modicum of space or time on the ball as the boys from south America.

The Boks looked rusty, very rusty, even more atmospherically eroded than normal at the start of a major tournament.

Mind you, they did start off like a runaway buffalo with skipper on the night Joost van der Westhiuzen scoring after only 68 seconds and following up the second of his hat-trick only four minutes later.

But there is no way that England will allow the Boks back row to run like an antelope, skip out of tackles and play basketball.

Uruguay did put in some big hits and the Boks felt them. But England's tackles will be harder, much harder.

Lemoine impressed for Uruguay

Rarely did Uruguay disturb the grass in South Africa's half, but despite their dominance, there was nothing sleek or methodical about the Boks play.

South Africa led 36-6 at the break with the biggest cheer coming from two penalties from Uruguay's skipper Diego Aguirre.

They also had a crowd pleaser in prop Pablo Lemoine. Poor Pablo was fighting a lone battle with some stirring runs much to the delight of the watching 19,000.

Match report: SA 72-6 Uruguay

South Africa were able to use their entire bench which restricted their rhythm even more.

But in the end they were just too hot and powerful for the Latino amateurs.

The anglo-saxon professionals will be a much more sterner task next week.