Samoa’s first venture into the Cup quarterfinals this World Rugby Sevens Series was short-lived, as the boys in blue went down 28-19 to the reigning Series champions South Africa.

The Manu Samoa 7s dictated most of the play in the first half, with strong work at the breakdown from the likes of Alamanda Motuga and Tomasi Alosio securing possession, and turning plenty of ball over.

One of those breakdown steals led to a try three phases later, when captain David Afamasaga picked the ball up from a ruck from about 10 metres out, and busted through three tackles to score the opening try in the fifth minute.

South Africa replied through Chris Dry as they played some beautiful sevens from within their own half.

They looked to score again with the final play of the half, winning a penalty to take possession toward’s Samoa’s 22 metre line.

But Branco du Preez knocked on, and Motuga scooped the ball up and took off.

The ball found Alatasi Tupou, who sped away and scored Samoa’s second try, giving them a 12-7 lead at halftime.

South Africa were able to impose their will in the second half, with well-placed kickoffs ensuring Samoa had very little ball to work with.

It was mostly one-way traffic as the Biltzbokke ran in tries to Dewald Human, Werner Kok and Selvyn Davids.

With the last play of the game, subsititute Johnny Vaili set up a consolation try for Danny Tusitala with a twinkletoes run down the sideline.

The 28-19 loss means Samoa will play take on Canada at 4:26pm Samoa time for a chance at a fifth place finish.