The SA U18 Sevens side lost 28-5 to Japan in the bronze medal match at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires on Monday.

The side endured a shaky start to the tournament, losing 14-12 to Japan and 17-12 to France. South Africa bounced back, though, with a 19-12 victory over the USA.

However, a 34-5 hiding from eventual gold medallists Argentina followed. The team qualified for the third-place playoff by beating Samoa 31-7 to finish fourth on the overall standings.

It was there that they again faced third-placed Japan, who were faster out of the blocks, scoring two tries through Kentaro Fujii and Taisei Konishi to take a 14-0 lead in the opening four minutes.

There was no further addition to the scoreboard before the break. Japan extended their lead shortly after half-time as Konishi grabbed his second.

With two minutes to go, Konishi went over for his hat-trick to make it 28-0 and all but seal the game for Japan. Ofentse Maubane managed to cross the line for South Africa, but it proved to be a consolation as Japan ran out comfortable winners.

Photo: Gustavo Garello/Jam Media/Getty Images