The Springbok Sevens nightmare run in the HSBC SVNS series hit a new low on Sunday as they were doomed to playoff for one of the bottom two spots at the Los Angeles Sevens.
After a disappointing opening two matches where they lost to Ireland and Series leaders Argentina, the Blitzboks narrowly pipped outsiders Spain 22-19 in their final pool game but watched the Spanish side go through because of their upset win over Ireland.
The two losses meant they missed out on the Cup competition for a second tournament in a row and had to playoff for the ninth-12th spot.
In their ninth-place semifinal, they were bested by a physical Samoan side, who had their number, winning 19-10.
Rosko Specman and Darron Adonis both scored for the Blitzboks, but it was nowhere near enough.
Now the Blitzboks will want to avert their worst finish ever at a Sevens tournament and have to beat Canada in their final game or finish last in the tournament.
In contrast, the Blitzbok Women’s team are on course for their best finish in a tournament after beating Brazil and shocking Fiji to face USA in the quarterfinals of the tournament.