South Africa secured ninth place at the HSBC SVNS Valladolid tournament, but coach Cecil Afrika faces a race against time with a mounting injury list ahead of Bordeaux.

A brave fightback falls short in a tense 17-12 defeat at the Valladolid Sevens, leaving South Africa rooted to the bottom of the standings ahead of the final leg in Bordeaux.

A spirited late fightback in Spain sees the Springbok Women's Sevens claim crucial wins over Argentina and Brazil, keeping their survival dreams alive ahead of Bordeaux.

South Africa secured ninth place at the HSBC SVNS Valladolid tournament, but coach Cecil Afrika faces a race against time with a mounting injury list ahead of Bordeaux.