In a dramatic finish, the South African Women’s sevens team missed out on automatic qualification for the new HSBC World SVNS Series Division two, losing their Playoff final 17-14 to Kenya in the final minute.
A late red card for Alicia Willemse proved costly, allowing Kenya to snatch the win and secure their place in the division alongside their already-qualified men’s team.
Earlier, the SA Women had battled to beat Argentina 17-14 to finish second in their pool and reach the playoff.
China, Brazil, and Spain had already qualified as pool winners, with Spain later beating Argentina in another playoff.
Despite holding a 14-10 lead with a minute remaining, the red card swung the game in Kenya’s favour, leaving the South Africans needing to qualify via regional competitions next season.
