The Springbok Women’s Sevens suffered a 17-12 defeat to Fiji in their final Pool B match at the Valladolid Sevens in Spain, leaving their hopes of progressing in the SVNS World Championship hanging by a thread.

South Africa needed a win — and also had to prevent Fiji from securing a losing bonus point — in order to stay in contention for a cup quarter-final place as one of the best third-placed teams.The match began brightly for the South Africans, who showed early intent with strong ball movement.Maria Tshiremba came close to scoring but was denied just short of the line after losing control of the ball.Their pressure eventually paid off when Byrhandré Dolf capitalised on a loose Fiji pass near the try-line to score the opening try.However, Fiji gradually took control of the contest and scored three unanswered tries either side of half-time.They led 12-5 at the break and extended their advantage immediately after the restart when Reapi Ulunisau marked her 100th international sevens try.

South Africa responded through Tshiremba, who finished off a well-executed inside pass from Dolf, with Eloise Webb adding the conversion to narrow the gap to 17-12.

Momentum briefly shifted towards the Springbok Women, but their comeback was disrupted when Tshiremba received a yellow card for accidental head contact.Fiji held firm in the closing stages to secure the win and a place in the quarter-finals.

The result leaves South Africa in the placement play-offs and significantly complicates their push for promotion from SVNS 2 to the top division, especially after earlier defeats to Australia and the USA.With only one tournament remaining in Bordeaux, France, their chances of finishing in the top eight and securing promotion are rapidly diminishing.