The Springbok Sevens team on Sunday moved back to the top of the World Rugby Sevens Series standings despite a 29-0 defeat to Australia in the Sydney Sevens final.
The Blitzboks, who started the tournament second on the log, moved past New Zealand after three tournaments in the series being played, with the next in the 10-stop tour next weekend in Hamilton, New Zealand.
South Africa started the final without influential captain Philip Snyman due to a hamstring injury, and earlier had to replace Ruhan Nel due to a sprained knee.
Sikhumbuzo Notshe replaced Nel for the final two matches, becoming the latest Springbok Sevens debutant.
Pool Draw: Your pools for the #Hamilton7s pic.twitter.com/AYN8tK1mIk
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 28, 2018
Earlier, the Blitzboks proved way too slick for the USA in the semi-final, beating them 35-7 after a 17-0 win over Kenya in the Cup quarter-finals took them into the last four.
They scored the most tries in the tournament and made the most tackles, but that did not result in another title.
The home side, who last won a tournament on home soil in 2002, had too much firepower for the defending champions, who trailed 14-0 at the break.
There was very little on attack coming from the Blitzboks and they slipped off 25% of their tackles, something that did not please coach Neil Powell.
Not the result we wanted but a lot of lessons learned. Time to reset & Focus on the new week! Thank you for all the support throughout this weekend 🙌🏼🇿🇦 #Brothers #Sydney7s #BlitzBokke pic.twitter.com/vDF17WU8lw
— Werner Kok (@wernerkok1) January 28, 2018
“There is not much to be happy about the final. We had a couple of chances in the first half, but we were not clinical enough.
“Even in first phase we were poor, lost two of our scrum feeds, and had a poor option from a lineout as well.
“We were still in at halftime, but once they got momentum in the second half, we could not stop them.”
Blitzbok coach Neil Powell speaks about the disappointing 29-0 defeat to Australia in the Sydney Sevens final. Audio: SA Rugby
Powell said their defence was good during the weekend, but poor in the final. “We only conceded two tries all day, but then five in the final. That was very disappointing.
“Fact is, teams are getting better all the time. We had three tournaments and three different winners. We must make sure we stay ahead of the pack.
“We have another opportunity in New Zealand next weekend, so will need to make one or two adjustments when we get there.”
Powell said the injuries of Ruhan Nel and Philip Snyman will be assessed as soon as possible and if needed, replacements will be called for.
The draw for next week’s Hamilton Sevens pool was announced and the Blitzboks will contest Pool B with England, Russia and Papua New Guinea.
World Series Standings
South Africa 58
New Zealand 54
Australia 43
Argentina 41
Fiji 40