Springbok Sevens stumble in Singapore

Sunday's results mean the Blitzboks finished outside the top 10 in the HSBC Singapore Sevens, with the 12-5 defeat to Spain in the ninth-place semi-final at the National Stadium, robbing them of an opportunity to get more World Series points.

Earlier in the day, the Blitzboks showed some glimpses of the team that are still amongst those hoping to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games by beating Ireland with a similar, 12-5 scoreline.

The Blitzboks started the day without the services of the injured Shaun Williams, Tiaan Pretorius and Ricardo Duarttee, and against Ireland, they also lost Donovan Don.

The opening match was a real nail-biter, but two quick-fire tries by Jaiden Baron proved the difference.

Baron, who only joined the squad from South Africa earlier this week as an injury replacement for Zain Davids, found himself in the starting sweeper position but it did not deter the former Boland Cavaliers player. He scored twice in less than a minute and with an Ethan James conversion, the Blitzboks were up 12-0 at the break against Ireland.

The Irish scored first in the second half with Dylan O'Grady dotting down with five minutes left, but the Blitzbok defence held firm to secure a solid win and set up a playoff with Spain.

The Blitzboks started the match against Spain with only nine fit players left, but they were off the mark first with Siviwe Soyizwapi dotting down for a well-worked try. James ran a nice loop with Christie Grobbelaar and the captain's hard line opened the Spanish defence.

The 5-0 lead was soon nullified though as Spain scored from a scrum play near the Blitzboks' tryline which saw the teams enter the break level at 5-5.

Spain took the lead in the second half and then held on for a famous first win over South Africa.