South Africa failed to overtake New Zealand at the top of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings after failing to reach the final of the Canada Sevens in Vancouver.
The Blitzboks, last year’s winners, suffered a 26-19 defeat to hosts Canada in their bronze final on Sunday. The victory was Canada’s first over South Africa in seven years.
With the match tied at 14-14 at halftime, Canada stepped up with a converted try from Justin Douglas and another five-pointer from Nathan Hirayama to take a 26-14 lead in the second half. Kurt Arendse’s try late on for the Blitzboks proved to be a consolation.
South Africa remains in second place on 104 points, 11 behind leaders New Zealand who defeated trans-Tasman rivals Australia 17-14 in the Main Cup final. Defending Olympic champions Fiji is third in the table with 83 points.
Meanwhile, Kenya finished in 10th place after falling to a 12-7 loss to Scotland in their 9th place semi-final.
Kenya currently sits in 12th place with 35 points above Samoa, Spain, Wales and Japan respectively.
Only four rounds of the season are left with stops in London, Paris, Singapore and Hong Kong.
The next round of the men’s HSBC Sevens Series takes place from May 23-24 in London, England.
