They will play Brazil in their final pool match at 20h59 on Saturday, looking for a first win in Canada.

Both of their opening encounters were typical games "of two halves". Against Ireland, the South Africans kept their defensive line intact for most of the first half, making good hits and rushing their opponents. 

A try by Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe four minutes in broke the deadlock and although Stacy Flood extended the lead to 14-0 at the break, the Bok Women were still in with a chance. Nadine Roos scored after sustained pressure early in the second half, but two late five pointers by Ireland confirmed their win.

In their match against the defending champions, New Zealand's Black Ferns Sevens, a similar situation played out as the South Africans at first managed to interrupt the flow of the Kiwis' attacks. A yellow card to Shona-Leah Weston opened the door for the Black Ferns to score their opening try, but as soon as Weston returned, Roos scored from a well-executed chip and chase.

New Zealand, leading 7-5 at the break, then started to put some good attacking moves together, scoring four unanswered tries in the second half for a well-earned 35-5 win.

Scorers:

South Africa 7 (0), Ireland 28 (14)
SA - Try: Nadine Roos. Conversion: Roos.
Ireland - Tries: Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe (2), Stacey Flood, Beibhinn Parsons. Conversions: Lucy Rock (4).

South Africa 5 (5), New Zealand 35 (7)
SA - Try: Nadine Roos.
NZ - Tries: Michaela Blyde (2), Shiray Kaka, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Jazmin Felxi-Hothham. Conversions: Tyla King (4), Manaia Nuku.