By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GettyImages.
The Springbok Sevens finished the HSBC Sevens Perth in fourth place after two defeats on Sunday, the third day of the Australian tournament.
Earlier in the day, the Blitzboks’ title hopes were dashed when they lost 17-12 to hosts Australia in the cup semi-finals, and were looking to end their tournament on a high against the Spaniards at HBF Park.
A converted Eduardo Lopez try gave Spain a 7-0 lead at the break as South Africa kicked off the second half with five men after Shilton van Wyk and Ronald Brown saw yellow for deliberate knock-ons.
Back to their full complement, Philip Snyman’s charges drew level after Selvyn Davids ghosted through the Spanish defence to dot down under the posts.
But Spain hit back with a seven-pointer of their own, Jamie Manteca crossing the whitewash before adding the extras to secure a 14-7 win for the ever-improving European outfit.
Snyman said, he was still happy about their fourth-place finish as that was one of their objectives at the start of the season.
“We want to be consistent and if you finish in the top four in each tournament, it will not only show consistency but will ultimately put you in contention to be top of the log at the end of the series, “Snyman said on Sunday.
“The performances today were a bit of a mixed bag, and we did not achieve our standards we set for ourselves.”
Snyman feels that the team’s discipline was not up to scratch, and they also did not execute when the big moments demanded it.
“We conceded nine or ten penalties against Australia and then three yellow cards against Spain,” said Snyman.
“That is not good enough and you will not be successful if that becomes a trend. We will have to work harder in those areas and is definitely something we will focus on once we get back home and start preparing for the next tournament in Vancouver.
Meanwhile, Matteo Graziano scored a hat-trick of tries as Argentina thrashed Australia 41-5 to secure back-to-back titles Down Under, and climbed to second on the World Sevens Series standings behind Fiji.
The fourth-placed Blitzboks now have a three-week break before they return to action at Canada’s BC Place for the 10th anniversary of the Vancouver Sevens over the weekend of 21 to 23 February.