The Blitzboks were punished for an error-filled performance as Ireland scored four tries to claim a quarter-final victory and send the Sevens World Cup hosts packing in Cape Town on Saturday.

It is the sixth time in their history that the Blitzboks have suffered a quarter-final exit at a Sevens World Cup, but doing so at home will sting that much more.

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The loss means the Blitzboks could not give Neil Powell the send-off they so desperately wanted, but that the performance was so poor would have been even more disappointing.

Ireland fully deserved their 24-14 victory as they were simply the better side on the night. While the slippery pitch played havoc for both teams, it cannot be blamed for South Africa’s awful performance.

After a promising start for the Blitzboks, when Ireland sent the first kickoff straight into touch and the hosts won a penalty from the subsequent scrum, quickly went pear-shaped as the visitors worked their way upfield and scored the opening try.

A cacophony of errors nearly led to a second try to Ireland, but the Blitzboks were given a reprieve through a penalty for an early tackle. South Africa wasted a couple of try-scoring opportunities before Muller du Plessis found space and went over to level the scores at 7-7 at the break.

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Powell appeared frustrated with his team’s performance in the first half, but whatever his was discussed at half-time was not adhered to, as the Blitzboks surrendered two successive lineout throws and Ireland pounced to regain the lead through Harry McNulty.

It got even worse for the Blitzboks as another error allowed Ireland’s Jordan Conroy to score the first of his two tries, the speedster going over a minute later for his brace.

South Africa did strike late through Mfundo Ndlovu, but by then the game had already been decided.

The Blitzboks will have an opportunity to send Powell off on a winning note when they face Argentina in the fifth-place playoff on Sunday at 11.02am.

Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images