IRELAND refused to be downhearted yesterday after seeing their disappointing Rugby World Cup Sevens campaign ended by Japan.

The strong looking Irish squad managed just one win in six games, "before bowing out with a last gasp - 24-22 defeat in their Bowlsemi final - the competition for teams who finished bottom of yesterday's group stage.

Ireland's 33-5 Bowl quarter final victory over Portugal proved to be their only victory despite getting their tournament off to a great start with two early tries against Argentina.

But if went down hill from there as Argentina won, South Africa trounced them twice while Hong Kong also came out on top in their other group match.

"The lads were very disappointed after the group stage," admitted coach Ray Southam. "We knew we were in the group of death with South Africa and Argentina.

"But to score two early tries then lose to Argentina was disappointing. We knew South Africa would prove to be tough as they showed by reaching the final itself.

But all credit to the players because they really bounced back against Portugal. We played some good rugby then.

"It's difficult for us to prepare properly for an event like this because we have so blew players and sevens is not a priority among the Northern Hemisphere countries.

Two tries from Jonathan Bell and further scores from skipper Denis McBride, David Humphreys and Richard Wallace gave Ireland a crushing win over Portugal.

They then threw away another great start against Japan when Humphreys and Niall Malone powered over, while Humphreys added another to give Ireland a 15-7 half-time lead.

But they allowed Japan to come back and despite regaining the advantage in the dying seconds through pool player Emori Bulobulo, a late try sent them out of the competition.

"We missed a conversion in front of the posts and that cost us in the end," said Southam. "We will just have to learn from the experience."

Niall Woods (hamstring) and Ben Cronin (shoulder) both collected injuries while Leicester's Eric Miller missed the last day after coming down with flu.

On Saturday, Ireland suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the host nation, Hong Kong, losing 26-5, which consigned them to a place in the Bowl.

Two tries from Vaughan Going, a nephew of New Zealand's scrum half legend Sid, led Hong Kong to an easy win with a try by David Humphreys, Ireland's only consolation.

Isi Tu'ivai completed the rout when he powered over to score and he then added the conversion.