It was two conflicting performances as well. They started slowly against the Aussies and then had a strong second half, but the performance against Ireland was the opposite as they lost their way badly in the second half.

The Bok Women had good parity in the opening six minutes against Ireland and even created some scoring opportunities, but sadly, none of those were visible in the second half.

Poor defence and a debatable lack of commitment to work back saw the South Aficans fall away badly in the second half, allowing Ireland to score 31 unanswered points.

Earlier on Sunday, the Springbok Women's Sevens team finished their 34-5 defeat against Australia with a strong second half surge in their opening match of the tournament.

The Aussies were quick out of the blocks and scored almost at will in the opening half, leading 24-0 at the break.

Maddison Levi was a particular threat to the SA defence and scored four tries in the match, with her strong running breaking a number of tackles.

South Africa also made to many wrong defensive reads in the first half, allowing the Aussies an easy way to the try-line.

The second half was better for Nadine Roos and company, with the blonde flyer scoring the SA women’s first try at the Olympic Games.

Scorers:

South Africa 5 (0), Australia 34 (24)
SA – Try: Nadine Roos.
Australia - Tries: Faith Nathan, Teagan Levi, Maddison Levi (4). Conversions: Tia Hinds (2).

South Africa 0 (0), Ireland 38 (7)
Ireland - Tries: Eve Higgins, Vicki Elmes Kinlin, Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe, Beibhinn Parsons (2), Stacey Flood. Conversions: Flood (3), Lucy Mulhall Rock.