Blitzboks miss out on top eight finish in Canada

They did recover some pride later in the day, beating Canada 20-14 to stay in the hunt for some valuable series points.

The Blitzboks now face Australia on Sunday at 21h21 (SA time) for the ninth/tenth place in their final 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 also. At halftime, things were still tight, with the Irish leading 10-5, but two late tries killed off any Cup hopes the SA side had for this weekend.

Ireland did well to control the aerial battle and kick-offs, while some poor defence by individuals in the Blitzboks jersey handed the Irish good momentum when needed. There was some joy for David Brits, who scored a first-ever try in the series, but that was one of only a few things to celebrate in that performance.

Canada was the next opponent on Saturday evening. This time around, the Blitzboks, clearly stung by their pool demise, rocked the host union with two early tries by Impi Visser and just before the break, another by Rosko Specman.

Canada came back strong 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 scrambled defence by the South Africans that kept the team in red from scoring a potential match-winner.

Scores:

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), Canada 14 (0)

SA - Tries: Impi Visser (2), Rosko Specman, David Brits.

Canada - Tries: Josiah Morra (2). Conversion: Max Stewart (2).

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