Despite reaching a sixth consecutive final, the Springboks Sevens head coach Philip Snyman believes his side ultimately paid the price for inconsistencies earlier in the tournament and a lack of precision in key moments during the decider.

Snyman was quick to credit Australia for their performance, saying the champions made better use of their opportunities when it mattered most.

A yellow card for Tristan Leyds in the final made it tough for South Africa - World Rugby

“Australia deserved the win,” said Snyman after the final.

“They took their chances well and played excellent rugby throughout the tournament. They were the better team on the day."

The final ended in dramatic fashion when a potential South African try that would have levelled the scores was ruled out following a Television Match Official review. However, Snyman refused to use the decision as an excuse for the defeat.

“Sevens rugby is a brutal game and the margins are incredibly fine,” he explained.

“We had enough opportunities during the match to put ourselves in a winning position. One call at the end was not the reason we lost.”

While pleased with some of the rugby produced on the final day, Snyman admitted the Blitzboks were below their usual standards during parts of the competition.

“There were moments on Sunday where we showed exactly what we're capable of, but there are also areas we'll need to revisit and improve,” he said.

Australia versus South Africa in the final - World Rugby

“We didn't start the tournament the way we wanted to. In a competition like this, you want to set the tone from the opening day and build momentum from there, but we struggled to do that.”

The coach felt the team's execution let them down at crucial stages, particularly in the final where missed tackles and turnovers handed Australia opportunities to stay in the contest.

“We weren't clinical enough and we didn't look after possession as well as we should have. In the final, we missed too many tackles and allowed them back into the game.

South Africa versus Fiji - World Rugby

“Reaching six finals in a row is a significant achievement, but this certainly wasn't our best performance. We'll take the lessons from it and make sure we come back stronger.”

The Blitzboks now turn their attention to Bordeaux, where the final tournament of the World Championship awaits next weekend.

South Africa have been drawn in a challenging Pool A alongside Fiji, Kenya and Great Britain. Pool B features Australia, Spain, the USA and Uruguay, while Pool C includes Argentina, New Zealand, France and Germany.

With the World Championship title on the line and some of the world's strongest sevens nations standing in their way, the Blitzboks will be determined to rediscover their best form and finish the season on a high.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport