The Blitzboks were denied a sensational comeback by the TMO, handing Australia the Valladolid Sevens crown on Sunday. Photo: 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).
Heartbreak in Valladolid 💔#Blitzboks #PoweredByUnity #HSBCSVNS pic.twitter.com/X11LFAe51e
