SPRINGBOK SEVENS ENDS FOURTH IN SINGAPORE CAMPAIGN
The Springbok Sevens team finished fourth in the event after losing to New Zealand 14–12 in a close third-place playoff, ending their Singapore Sevens campaign in disappointment.
After defeating Spain and Great Britain and losing to Fiji in extra time on day one, the Blitzboks lost their semifinal match against France on day two as well, losing 12-5 to the Olympic champions after trailing 12-0 at halftime. Christie Grobbelaar scored their lone try in a fiercely contested semifinal, while Paulin Riva and Simon Desert crossed for the French team.
Kelly Lasaqa's goal in the third minute of the third-place playoff gave New Zealand the lead, which they maintained until halftime despite a try from Tristan Leyds for the Blitzboks.
However, Shilton van Wyk's goal in the second half gave the Blitzboks a 12-7 lead as they stretched the All Black Sevens team. However, Riley Williams' critical conversion of Michael Manson's last-minute try earned the New Zealanders a close victory and some extra log points for their efforts.
A tough day in Singapore.
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) February 1, 2026
The #Blitzboks finish fourth after coming up short against New Zealand.
On to the next challenge in Perth.#PoweredByUnity #HSBCSVNS pic.twitter.com/2FQ9yn7j9y