The Blitzboks have never lifted the trophy in the Pearl of the Orient, and their opening day display will have done little to suggest that a breakthrough title is imminent.

South Africa began their Pool A campaign on Friday with a hard-fought 12–7 victory over Uruguay. The Blitzboks looked in control early on, taking a 12–0 lead into the break after a fairly composed first-half showing.

Joaquin Fresnedo - Zach Franzen / World Rugby

Tristan Leyds opened the scoring in the fifth minute and added the extras himself. Then, on the stroke of half-time, former Griffons scrumhalf Selvyn Davids dotted down to give South Africa a handy cushion at the interval.

However, the second half was far less convincing. Uruguay struck right at the death, with Diego Ardao crossing the line and Juan Manuel Tafernaberry adding the conversion. In the end, South Africa had just done enough to hold on for the win.

If the first match raised a few concerns, the second set off alarm bells.

A tough day one in Hong Kong. We go again tomorrow. #HSBCSVNS #Blitzboks #PoweredByUnity pic.twitter.com/7g08lbj4bj

— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) April 17, 2026

In their later fixture, the world champions were well below their best and were convincingly beaten 31–12 by a fired-up Spain side. The Blitzboks looked out of sorts from the outset and were punished by a clinical Spanish outfit.

Spain opened the scoring as early as the second minute when Tobias Sainz-Trápaga crossed for a try, converted by Francisco Cosculluela. Eduardo López added another shortly afterwards, with Juan Ramos slotting the conversion to give Spain a 14–0 half-time lead.

The pressure continued after the break, with Sainz-Trápaga grabbing his second try to extend the lead, although Ramos missed the conversion.

The Women Springbok Sevens team were hammered 33-0 by Australia - Alex Ho/ World Rugby

South Africa eventually got on the board in the 10th minute when Shilton van Wyk showed good strength to break a tackle and score, with Ronald Brown converting.

Any hopes of a comeback were short-lived and immediately quashed. Spain responded almost immediately as López completed his brace, with Ramos adding the extras to all but seal the result.

Jeremy Trevithick then added further gloss to the scoreline late in the game, leaving the Blitzboks reeling.

There was a small consolation at the death as Donovan Don crossed for South Africa, but Leyds was unable to convert as the final hooter sounded.

Teagan Levi scored a brace for Australia against South Africa - Alex Ho/ World Rugby

The Blitzboks were simply too sloppy, and their defence, in particular, was well below the required standard. It was a heavy defeat that should serve as a timely wake-up call.

Their chances of progressing now hang by a thread. On Saturday, they face defending champions Argentina in a must-win clash.

Los Pumas, by contrast, enjoyed an excellent opening day, beating Spain 38–14 and overpowering Uruguay 40–19 to underline their title credentials.

It was an even tougher day for the Springbok Women’s Sevens side at Kai Tak Sports Park. They suffered a 33–0 defeat to Australia before being outplayed 31–0 by Canada in their second match.

The Blitzboks take on Argentina at 6:13 on Saturday morning in a crucial encounter, while the women face Great Britain at 5:04 as they look to salvage some pride.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport