The Springbok Sevens side came horribly unstuck against a game Fijian side, losing 28-10 in their second game of the shortened version Dubai Sevens in the Emirate on Saturday.
The Blitzboks were hopelessly outclassed by the footwork of the Fijians and came off second best in a contest where the South Sea Islanders were always ahead.
It followed their narrow win over France in their opening game in a tournament format where few mistakes are tolerated, and only the top two teams in each pool will qualify for the playoffs on Sunday.
It all looked good when Ronald Brown scored after 120 seconds of the game, but that was quickly chalked off by Joseva Talacolo’s try. Fiji added a second when Pilipo Bukayaro stepped two defenders just before halftime and a third when Jeremaia Matana went over in the 11th minute.
They made sure they couldnt be caught with Apete Nagoro’s try - the fourth of the game before Tristan Leyds pulled one back after the final hooter. But by then the writing was on the wall.
Fiji had beaten Argentina 26-19 in their opener, and France smashed Argentina 59-7 in their second game.
With that result, South Africa needs to beat Argentina and then hope Fiji beat France to qualify for the playoffs on Sunday.
The Blitzboks face Argentina at 6.34pm.