Photo Credit - Mike Lee/KLC Photos
The Blitzboks crashed out of medal contention at the Olympic Games in Tokyo after they lost their quarter-final to Argentina by 19-14 at Tokyo Stadium on Tuesday.
It was heartbreak for the South Africans, who just failed to get any rhythm in the match and were stretched on defence, despite facing only six opponents for most of the 14 minutes of action.
Selvyn Davids got the Blitzboks on the board with a converted try in the second minute after a great run by Kurt-Lee Arendse, as they started very well to take a 7-0 lead.
A red card one minute later to Argentina's experienced Gaston Revol - for a dangerous tackle on Selvyn Davids - seemed to galvanise the South Americans as they took a 14-7 lead at the break courtesy of two tries by Marcos Moneta.
Their third try, by captain Santiago Alvarez, was scored midway through the second half.
Moments later the Blitzboks were given a chance after being awarded a penalty try and the Argentineans, who played with massive passion and composure, reduced to five with a yellow card, but they managed to win the restart, kick the ball out and win the game.