The Springbok Women’s Sevens team suffered heavy defeats to Canada and New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games on Friday.

Any hopes South Africa might have had of making the semi-finals were well and truly dashed as the Canadians beat them 29-0 before the New Zealanders humiliated them 41-0.

In the opening rugby match of the Games, Canada scored within the first minute when South Africa fumbled the ball from the kick-off. That lead was extended to 24-0 at the break after they scored three more tries.

The second half was less demoralising as the Bok women only let in one try, but by then the damage had been done.

The match against New Zealand was an annihilation, as the Kiwis ran the South Africans ragged.

South Africa battled to get their hands on the ball, while New Zealand managed to break the defensive line much easier. The Kiwis scored four first-half tries and led 22-0 at the break and added three more tries in the second period.

South Africa’s third and final pool game, against Kenya, kicks off at 04:27 on Saturday.

Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images