The Blitzboks head into their home tournament in Cape Town knowing they’ll need a much-improved showing.
The South Africans had to settle for fifth place in Dubai after beating Spain 21-12 on Sunday. The Blitzboks were knocked out of the Cup race after a defeat to Argentina in their final pool match on Saturday.
The 19-14 loss and the earlier defeat to Fiji saw South Africa finish last in Pool A. But it was a better Sunday for the Blitzboks as they defeated Great Britain 34-0 and then claimed fifth place from the Spaniards.
The Blitzboks run in six tries as they defeat Great Britain 34-0 in the 5th place semi-final.
They will take on Spain in the 5th place final – a match worth 12 series points.#SSRugby | #HSBCSVNS pic.twitter.com/wMuYFnbQs6
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) November 30, 2025
After conceding an early try following some handling errors, the Blitzboks regrouped and ran in back-to-back tries by Shilton van Wyk and David Brits. Both were converted by Ricardo Duarttee and gave South Africa a 14-7 lead at the break.
MORE: Blitzboks fail to reach Dubai Sevens semis
But the Spaniards started the second half like they did the first, and punished some ill-discipline from the Blitzboks with the lanky Manu Moreno dancing over the line.
The impact from the bench put the result beyond doubt for the South Africans as Mfundo Ndhlovu powered his way over the line with less than three minutes to go.
Duarttee capped a perfect kicking display to take some confidence to Cape Town Stadium next weekend.
Two from two on day two in Dubai.
Fifth place secured in the desert. Next stop: Cape Town.#HSBCSVNSDXB #HSBCSVNS #PoweredByUnity #Blitzboks pic.twitter.com/6aiEOzQz8D— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) November 30, 2025
Photo: David Van Der Sandt/Gallo Images
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