The Blitzboks were denied a sensational comeback by the TMO, handing Australia the Valladolid Sevens crown on Sunday. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
The Blitzboks suffered a cruel end to their quest for a fifth consecutive HSBC SVNS title when a dramatic last-gasp try was ruled out by the TMO, allowing Australia to claim a 26-19 victory in an incident-packed Valladolid Sevens final in Spain on Sunday.
Philip Snyman's side looked set to force extra-time after producing a remarkable late comeback at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium, only for TV replays to reveal a forward pass in the build-up to what would have been the match-levelling score.
While the defeat ended South Africa's unbeaten run in tournament finals this season, the SVNS regular-season champions remain firmly in command of the World Championship standings ahead of next weekend's final event in Bordeaux, France. The Blitzboks top the overall standings on 38 points, four clear of Argentina, with Australia third (30).
South Africa burst out of the blocks in the final and appeared on course for another title when they raced into a 14-0 lead inside the opening minutes.
The first try came from a slick set-piece move as Selvyn Davids broke wide from a scrum before releasing Shilton van Wyk on a perfect angle to score untouched. Tristan Leyds converted before South Africa struck again immediately from the restart.
After regaining possession, the Blitzboks worked the ball through several phases before Ryan Oosthuizen's strong carry created space for Sebastiaan Jobb to finish. Leyds added the extras for a commanding advantage.
Australia, however, had shown their resilience in Saturday's pool-stage encounter and once again fought their way back into the contest, stretching the South African defence. James Turner crossed for Australia's opening try before another score levelled matters at 14-14 by half-time after South Africa struggled to contain the Australians' width and pace.
The momentum swung decisively after the interval when Leyds was shown a yellow card for cynical play. Australia ruthlessly capitalised on the numerical advantage, scoring two converted tries during the playmaker's absence to open up a 26-14 lead.
The Blitzboks looked beaten, but a red card shown to Turner with less than two minutes remaining breathed life into their challenge.
Substitute Gino Cupido crossed to reduce the deficit to seven points and set up a frantic finish. Then, with the final hooter already sounded, the winger burst down the left touchline and produced an offload that sent South Africa over under the posts.
The Blitzboks celebrated wildly, believing they had secured the try that would give them a conversion attempt to force extra time. Their celebrations proved premature, however, as the TMO intervened and ruled Cupido's pass forward, denying South Africa a dramatic escape and handing Australia their first tournament victory of 2026.
Earlier in the day, the Blitzboks booked their place in the final with an impressive 19-7 victory over Argentina in the semi-finals.
Although denied silverware in dramatic fashion, the Blitzboks leave Spain with their World Championship destiny still firmly in their own hands.
South Africa (14) 19
Tries: Shilton van Wyk, Sebastiaan Jobb, Gino Cupido; Conversions: Tristan Leyds (2)
Australia (14) 26
Tries: James Turner, Ethan Mcfarland, Ben Dowling, Henry Hutchison; Conversions: Maurice Longbottom (3)