Bok Women's Sevens edge Argentina but suffer Fiji setback in mixed day in Spain

While the South Africans failed to win any of their group stage matches, they did beat Argentina 19-17 in their second outing on Saturday, after ending Pool B with a narrow 17-12 defeat to Fiji earlier in the day.

The Bok Women will now contest the ninth-place final against Brazil on Sunday at 12:15 (SA time).

South Africa started brightly against Fiji and took early control through Byrhandre Dolf, who scored after sustained pressure. However, the momentum quickly swung as Fiji responded with three unanswered tries, including a milestone effort from Reapi Ulunisau, to open up a 17-5 lead early in the second half.

Ayanda Tshiremba kept South Africa in the contest with a well-taken try, but the team could not find the decisive breakthrough late on. A handling error in the closing stages summed up a frustrating finish as Fiji held on.

In the later ninth-place semi-final against Argentina, the Springbok Women produced one of their more composed performances of the weekend to claim a 19-17 victory.

Eloise Webb and Byrhandre Dolf combined effectively in playmaking roles, with Ayanda Malinga finishing a long-range break sparked by Webb's line running to open the scoring. Webb then crossed herself after linking with Dolf's grubber kick to extend the lead.

Argentina fought back after the restart, capitalising on a South African error to cut the deficit, but captain Zintle Mpupha produced a decisive moment with a strong break and finish to seal the win.

Despite a late Argentine try after the hooter, South Africa held on for a morale-boosting victory.

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