The Blitzboks disappointed their fans again on Sunday, getting knocked out at the quarterfinal stage of the London Sevens tournament by Australia.
Leading 17-0 against the Aussies at one stage, coach Neil Powell’s South Africa cracked alweer to lose in their third quarterfinal match in the last four tournaments as Oz bounced back to win the clash 21-17.
SA then went on to finish the tournament in fifth place, after beating Ireland 14-5 in the fifth-place final.
Breaking through to secure a 5th place finish for the @Blitzboks! 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) May 29, 2022
#HSBC7s | #London7s pic.twitter.com/8U9bHYByA3
It was the second time in the tournament that they managed to beat the Irish, also getting the better of them in the pool stage where SA finished unbeaten on the first day after also beating Argentina and Kenya.
South Africa, though, are still at the top of the series standings heading into the final round in Los Angeles in August.
Australia, who beat New Zealand 19-14 after extra time in the London final, are two points behind in second.
What a way to grab your 100th try! 👏@brancodupreez spins his way into the record books! 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦#HSBC7s | #London7s | @Blitzboks pic.twitter.com/il8zsAl0Ig
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) May 29, 2022