South Africa, who won the first four legs, dropped their first Pool D match 21-12 to Ireland but bounced back to defeat Spain 27-7.

Their results put them two points behind pool-leaders Samoa after they notched back-to-back wins against Spain and Ireland.

Samoa initially bettered Spain 42-12 before recovering from an early deficit versus Ireland to beat them 27-14.

South Africa, who are tired on four points with Ireland in the standings, just about edged their opponents thanks to a superior points difference.

The South Africans are on 11 while the Irish have a total of minus four.

Argentina also stuttered by falling short against Canada.

The Argentines, who are ranked second overall, ran riot against Japan, winning by a score of 43-5.

However, Canada nullified the flying Argentines with a 19-12 victory.

Britain bagged a 24-5 win over Canada and a 21-10 triumph versus Japan to put themselves in pole position to progress to the next round.

Rugby World Cup Sevens victors New Zealand also impressed in pool C with successive wins versus Scotland and the US.

New Zealand cruised past Scotland 19-0 before beating the US 19-17.

Australia, who lost 24-19 to the US, levelled the American’s four-point tally with an 28-7 triumph over Scotland.

Meanwhile, Olympic champions Fiji and France dominated Pool B after they imposed emphatic victories over Kenya and Wales to claim six points each.

The pool phase is set to conclude tomorrow with the quarter-finals also planned to take place.