Blitzboks fall short against France, now turn focus to third-place play-off at Singapore Sevens

South Africa’s wait for a return to a Singapore Sevens final continues, after the Blitzboks were edged out 12-5 by France in Sunday’s semi-final — a result that felt harsh on the effort, but honest about where the margins were lost.

The defeat sends the Blitzboks into the third-place play-off against New Zealand at 12.33pm (SA time), while France advance to face Fiji in the final at 1.41pm.

A difficult opening period

France set the tone early and were rewarded within two minutes when Pauline Riva crossed for the opening try, converting his own effort to give Les Bleus a 7-0 lead.

South Africa struggled to settle in the early exchanges. Unforced errors disrupted their rhythm, and Andy Timo proved a constant problem as France pressed hard in the opening half.

With five minutes gone, Riva again played a decisive role, this time sending Simon Desert down the left touchline to extend the lead to 12-0. It was a period almost entirely played in the South African half, with the Blitzboks barely managing to build sustained pressure.

That strain told when Ricardo Duarttee was shown a yellow card for a breakdown infringement, further tilting the contest France’s way. Les Bleus nearly added a third try on the half-time hooter, but Desert lost control of the ball as he crossed the line, allowing South Africa to reach the break still within touching distance at 12-0.

A response, but not quite enough

The Blitzboks emerged from the interval with renewed intent and were quickly rewarded. Christie Grobbelaar went over after sharp work by Siviwe Soyizwapi, cutting the deficit to 12-5 and giving South Africa momentum.

With Duarttee back on the field, the contest shifted. South Africa began to find space and tempo, and Duarttee himself came agonisingly close to atoning for his earlier yellow card, only to lose the ball as he reached for the tryline after a promising attack.

The Blitzboks pushed hard in the closing stages, spending valuable time camped in the French half. But France’s cover defence held firm, and a late turnover allowed them to see out the match and secure their place in the final.

Where it leaves the Blitzboks

South Africa’s route to the semi-finals had included group-stage wins over Spain and Great Britain, before a loss to Fiji in extra time. Fiji later underlined their credentials by overturning a 14-0 deficit and a first-half yellow card to beat New Zealand 21-14 in the first semi-final.

For the Blitzboks, the performance against France was one of effort and resolve, particularly after the break, but the damage done in the opening half proved decisive. 

The focus now turns to finishing the tournament on a positive note against New Zealand, in a contest that offers them an opportunity to claim back a measure of pride.