The 2015 World Championship runners-up were in commanding form at the KZN Westville Campus Indoor Sports Centre, sealing a 27-6 victory in the first of the knockout phase matches.

They will face Czech Republic in the quarter-finals after they defeated Australia 27-15.

Chinese Taipei kept their medal hopes on track with a comprehensive 42-22 win over Japan at The Globe Arena as the 2015 bronze medalists set up a quarter-final clash with tournament debutants Suriname, who scored a surprise 22-18 victory over England.

Germany defeated Poland 22-9 to progress to a last eight clash against defending champions The Netherlands, who are bidding for a 10th World Championship title.

The Dutch dominance in South Africa continued with a 34-7 drubbing against Ireland, appearing in the World Championships for the first time.

China booked their last eight spot with a convincing 31-9 victory against Slovakia.

They will take on Portugal, who overcame Catalonia 15-11.