James Harris and James Lewis scored consolation tries for Wales who lost 19-12 in Saturday's game in Wellington.

Vuyo Zangqa, MJ Mentz and Mpho Mbiyozo scored for the Springboks and Wales skipper Jonathan Edwards admitted: "We have learnt some hard lessons."

Earlier Wales were thrashed 40-5 by hosts and eventual Cup winners New Zealand in the Cup quarter-final, a defeat which sent Wales into the Plate.

Wales finished sixth at the Wellington Sevens but skipper and Scarlets forward Edwards admitted his side must learn from their mistakes before the next round of competition in California next weekend.

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"We slipped up against New Zealand and Fiji and know we have to keep hold of the ball in the second half of games," said Edwards.

"These teams will crucify you if you make mistakes.

"When we played the likes of England and Scotland we showed if we play keep ball we can get results."

Wales coach Gareth Baber added: "It was good to get some important ranking points and it was another good development stage for our youngsters.

"The All Blacks played a higher intensity game than we had experienced and were too strong for us.

"But it is games like that that will enable the players to grow.

"Our aim was to reach the cup quarter-final in both Wellington and San Diego next weekend."

Wales are in the same Pool as New Zealand, Scotland and France in the San Diego tournament.

Edwards is struggling with a groin strain so is a doubt for next weekend's round of games but Neath's Dave Evans is definitely out as he has fractured his collar bone.