(Photo: Springbok Sevens/Twitter)
It was the umpteenth time of so close but again too far for the Blitzboks in World Rugby’s sevens tournament in Hong Kong.
The Blitzbokke, who have never been able to beat Fiji in this tournament, lost 7-10 in Sunday morning’s quarter-final against Fiji.
Added to that, Fiji has already won the Hong Kong tournament 19 times.
The Blitzbokke were 7-0 ahead after Shaun Williams scored a try, but with one of their big stalwarts, Ryan Oosthuizen, leaving the field with an injury, they could not manage to defend their lead.
The Blitzbokke blocked and attacked as much as they could, but a crooked throw-in in a lineout and obstruction on the attack marred their plans.
The Blitzbokke will face America in a play-off for fifth place at 08:20.
The Americans were beaten 21-10 by Britain in the quarter-finals.
The British face Fiji in the quarter-finals.
In the other semi-final, New Zealand, who beat Argentina 24-10, will play against France, who had to dig deep before they could beat a spirited Spain 19-14.
Scorers: Fiji 10 (5): Tries: Iowane Teba, Napolioni Bolaca and Shaun Williams. Goal kick: Ricardo Duarttee.
Results of the quarter-finals: Fiji 10, South Africa 7; New Zealand 24, Argentina 10; France 19, Spain 14; Britain 21, America 10.
