The Kookaburras have secured an early Olympic Games men's hockey semi-final berth with a 3-2 win over South Africa.

With one pool match remaining, Australia is guaranteed a spot in the last four regardless of what happens when it plays the Netherlands on Monday.

Midfielder Michael Brennan scored his second match-winning goal in as many games, breaking the deadlock 13 minutes into the second half after South Africa had been reduced to 10 men following Iain Evans' send-off.

Strikers Travis Brooks and Nathan Eglington scored the Kookaburras' other goals.

As it had in its previous two matches, Australia fell behind early, to a Greg Nicol penalty corner after just three minutes.

But then Brooks netted from open play after some great stickwork to beat two defenders in the 17th minute.

Two minutes later Australia was in front after a beautifully worked penalty was tapped in by Eglington at the near post.

South Africa equalised five minutes before halftime through striker Emile Smith.

Once Evans was sent off with 30 minutes left for a second cardable offence, Brennan ensured victory, tapping in the same rehearsed penalty corner routine which had worked in Australia's second goal.

Brennan had also scored the Kookaburras' last-gasp victory on Thursday in its 4-3 win over India.

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