A NEW-LOOK Hong Kong SVNS, but still the same disappointing results for the faltering Blitzboks.
They started the tournament in the Far East on a high, but consecutive losses in the rest of the pool matches condemned the Springbok Sevens to another disappointment at the prestigious event.
Not even a change of venue could inspire the South Africans to break their hoodoo in Hong Kong and the long wait for a first-ever victory continues for head coach Philip Snyman and his charges.
They lost to New Zealand on Saturday morning after failing to get going in the third pool clash. Lost opportunities on the attack and some ordinary defence stifled them heavily.
They also suffered a defeat to Australia on day one where their tackling was below the standard they set for themselves. It meant the Springbok Sevens finished third in their pool and could only challenge for ninth place.
They then beat Kenya yesterday to finish in ninth place in Hong Kong.
Failing to make the quarterfinals this weekend effectively ends South Africa’s challenge to be crowned series winners after the Singapore event this coming weekend.
They are in fourth, with log-leaders and Hong Kong winners Argentina who beat France 12-7 in the final, Spain and Fiji extending their lead over the Springbok Sevens. That means the title could be out of their reach.
They can now set their sights on winning the once-off tournament in Los Angeles in May.