However, the recovered some pride later on the second day of the tournament by beating hosts, Canada, by 20-14 to stay in the hunt for some valuable series points. 

The Blitzboks now face Australia on Sunday at 21h21 (SA time) in the ninth-place final in their last game in what turned out to be a disappointing tournament for the team.

The defeat against Ireland meant that the SA side finished last in their pool for the first time this season. At halftime, things were still tight, with the Irish leading 10-5, but two late tries killed off any hopes the Blitzboks had of reaching the top eight in Vancouver.

Ireland did well to control the aerial battle and restarts, while some poor individual Blitzbok defence handed the Irish good momentum when needed. There was some joy for David Brits though, as he scored a first try in the series, but that was one of only a few things to celebrate in their performance.

Canada was the next opponent on in the early hours of Sunday morning (SA time). This time around, the Blitzboks - clearly stung by their pool demise - rocked the hosts with two early tries by Impi Visser and just before the break, another by Rosko Specman.

Canada came back strongly in the second half, despite another five pointer by Brits that extended the lead to 20-7 with three minutes left. Canada scored a second converted try and it was only scramble defence by the South Africans that kept the team in red from scoring a potential match winner.

Scorers:

South Africa 10 (5), Ireland 22 (10)
SA - Tries: David Brits, Rosko Specman.
Ireland - Tries: Zac Ward (2), Hugo Lennox, Gavin Mullin. Conversion: Billy Dardis.

South Africa 20 (15), Canado 14 (0)
SA - Tries: Impi Visser (2), Rosko Specman, David Brits.
Canada - Tries: Josiah Morra (2). Conversions: Max Stewart (2).