Kenya defeated Uganda 37-5 in the opening game of the day in Brakpan before South Africa crushed Madagascar 73-0 at Bosman Stadium.

The Ugandans defended stoutly to frustrate Kenya in the first half, keeping the score to 3-0 at the break before the Kenyan attacking prowess proved too much after the restart.

Kenya ran in seven tries to one, with full-back Janet Okelo and fly-half Grace Adhiambo scoring two apiece.

The South Africans were even more impressive, showing no mercy against a Madagascan side playing only their second ever Test match.

Unchanged from thrashing Uganda 89-5 in their opening game, South Africa ran in 13 tries, with second-row Rights Mkhari scoring a hat-trick.

Winger Snenhlanhla Shozi, number eight Aseza Hele, winger Ayanda Malinga and substitute back Aphiwe Ngwevu all went over the try line twice, while full-back Eloise Webb and centre Zintle Mpupha both got one try each.

“There were people who said from the outset it would be between us and Kenya for that spot, and it has come down to that," South Africa coach Stanley Raubenheimer said:

"So it is now up to us to go out there and perform on Saturday."

The nations will now play-off on Saturday (August 17), with the winner earning their spot in New Zealand in 2021.

The loser will face the winner of the South American competition next year for a place in the global repechage and could still join defending champions New Zealand, England, France, USA, Canada, Australia and Wales at the final tournament.