The Blitzboks were denied a dramatic late try against Australia as they suffered defeat in the SVNS World Championship final in Valladolid on Sunday.
South Africa thought they had forced the decider into extra-time when Shilton van Wyk scored under the posts in the final play of the match. However, the TMO alerted the referee to a debatable forward pass, handing Australia a 26-19 victory.
The result saw the Blitzboks move to 38 points in the race for the World Championship title, with Australia on 30. Argentina are second on 34 after beating Fiji in the third-place playoff.
The final event of the season takes place in Bordeaux next weekend.
ALSO: Wessels predicts changing sevens landscape
After scoring just 12 tries in five matches at the tournament, the Blitzboks’ attack finally clicked in the final.
First, Selvyn Davids broke from a scrum and sent Van Wyk away to score. A minute later, Sebastiaan Jobb scorched over, with Tristan Leyds again adding the extras as the Blitzboks raced into a 14-0 lead.
Sebastiaan Jobb is scorching hot
The Blitzboks are on a mission
Stream #HSBCSVNSBVLL on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/BQdNh8RSfR
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 31, 2026
Australia hit back through Josh Turner after sustained pressure before Ethan McFarland burst through the Blitzboks defence in the final play of the half.
Maurice Longbottom slotted a difficult conversion to level the scores.
The Blitzboks then suffered a setback early in the second half when Leyds was yellow-carded for a cynical infringement.
Australia made the extra man count as Ben Dowling and Henry Hutchison scored in quick succession to open up a 26-14 lead.
Turner was then red-carded for a high tackle before Gino Cupido crossed to cut the deficit to seven and give the Blitzboks hope.
South Africa thought they had completed a stunning comeback with Van Wyk’s late score under the posts, but it was ultimately ruled out.
Photo: Juan Barbosa/Reuters
The post Controversial call sinks Blitzboks comeback appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Blitzboks were denied a dramatic late try against Australia as they suffered defeat in the SVNS World Championship final in Valladolid on Sunday.
The post Controversial call sinks Blitzboks comeback appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
