The Springbok Women's Sevens could not hang on to their lead against Japan who scored two tries in the final two minutes to win 15-12 in the 9th place semi-final.
The Springboks will play on Tuesday at 16:30 (SA Time) in the 11th-place final against Fiji.
Springbok Women's Sevens' Libbie Janse van Rensburg burst over the tryline after just a minute of play. Minutes later, van Rensburg was beaten on the outside by blistering speed that levelled the scores. With time up on the clock, Nadine Roos stepped her way to score the Springbok's second try to lead 12-05 at the halftime break.
The Springboks made a great start to the second half, however Japan once again beat the Springboks out wide to score two tries in the final two minutes to secure a place in the 9th place final with a 15-12 win.
Scorers:
Springbok Women's Sevens: Tries: Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Nadine Roos. Conversion: Nadine Roos.
Japan: Tries: Wakaba Hara, Marin Kajiki (2).
Teams:
Springbok Women's Sevens: Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Byrhandre Dolf, Ayanda Malinga, Zintle Mpupha, Marlize de Bruin, Veroeshka Grain, Maria Tshiremba, Sizophila Solontsi, Nadine Roos, Mathrin Simmers (c), Kemisetso Baloyi, Liske Lategan.
Japan: Chiharu Nakamura, Marin Kajiki, Rinka Matsuda,Sakura Mizutani, Chiaka Saegusa, Mei Ohtani, Yume Hirano (c), Arisa Nishi, Hanako Otsumi, Emii Tanaka, Wakaba Hara, Honoka Tsutsumi.