Blitzboks finish fourth

South Africa were beaten by England in the third-place play-off at the Gold Coast Sevens on Sunday after losing to Samoa in the Cup semi-finals.

Neil Powell's team were never in the match against the English, going down 19-0 for a disappointing end to the tournament. England, who had earlier stunned New Zealand 31-7 in the Cup quarter-finals, were just too strong for the Blitzboks, running in three first-half tries for a comfortable victory.

The South Africans had earlier defeated hosts Australia 12-10 in the Cup quarter-finals before suffering a defeat to an inspired Samoan team. They contributed to their own downfall, and were made to pay for a sluggish start, eventually going down 28-12.

Samoa and Fiji then served up a wonderful match in the final. The Fijians raced into a 26-0 lead, only for Samoa to respond with 24 unanswered points as the teams headed into the final minute separated by just two points. The comeback victory was not to be, though, as Fijian flyer Jasa Veremalua crossed in the corner off the final move of the game to secure the title for the islanders.

Blitzboks results (Day 2):
Beat Australia 12-10 (Cup quarter-final)
Lost to Samoa 12-28 (Cup semi-final)
Lost to England 0-19 (third-place play-off)

All results and fixtures

Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images