The Springbok Women's Sevens suffered two losses on the second day of the HSBC SVNS Bordeaux on Saturday and will be in contention for 11th place with Brazil on Sunday.
Brave performances against France and New Zealand on day one were followed by a defeat to Argentina in their final pool match. South Africa came up short 17-5, with the result handing the wooden spoon to Zintle Mpupha and her squad, confirming that they will not play in the top tier in the 2027 season. They again lost to Argentina later in the day.
In the early match, it was a close affair, with Argentina scoring late to gain the edge. Scores were tied at the break, with each side getting a try, but Argentina used their opportunities better in the second half to secure the win.
In their second match of the day, for the ninth-place final on Sunday, the South Americans edged home 22-17.
It was a lively match, with both sides not scared to attack. Argentina scored first following a strong attack down the right flank and got their second down the left flank, with good passing play resulting in extra numbers.
Maria Tshiremba, who almost single handedly kept them in the change.
The South Americans scored first early in the second half, but Tshiremba again provided the goods and when Zintle Mpupha scored with a minute left to play, it was anyone's game. It was a one score game, but sadly, it was Argentina who claimed the final try and the win.
Scoring summary:
Pool match: South Africa 5 (5), Argentina 17 (5)
SA - Try: Maria Tshiremba.
Argentina - Tries: Maria Brigido Chamorro (2), Antonella Reding. Conversion: Sofia Gonzalez.
9th-place playoff: South Africa 17 (7), Argentina 22 (10)
SA - Tries: Maria Tshiremba (2), Zintle Mpupha. Conversion: Byrhandré Dolf.
Argentina - Tries: María Paula Pedrozo, Marianela Escalante, Maria Brigido Chamorro, Talia Rodich. Conversion: Sofia Gonzalez.