The Blitzboks finished their Toulouse tournament a disappointing sixth after losing their fifth-place playoff to Australia 21-19 in France on Sunday.
Going into the game, SA’s Paris Games automatic qualification was already out of the window after failing to make the last four.
Mfundo Ndhlovu struck South Africa’s first blow when he broke two tackles inside two minutes to score.
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But Henry Paterson pulled a try back for the men in gold before the end of the first half, scoring in the right side corner.
Ndhlovu was in the action again when he put Shaun Williams through for the second Blitzboks try, which they converted for a decent 12-7 lead at the break.
But the Aussies started the second half on fire when their kick-off landed on Tim Clements’ lap.
That score, with the scoreboard reading 14-12 to Australia, seemed to tilt the momentum Australia’s way, who pinned the Blitzboks in their half for considerable minutes.
Indeed, Australian pressure then led to their third try when Maurice Longbottom put them 21-12 in front after combining well with Nick Malouf during a penalty routine.
But South Africa had another trick up their sleeves when James Murphy scooped a chip kick to round off and score for a 21-19 cliffhanger with seconds to go.
However, that’s how it remained as Australia claimed fifth spot in France.
SA now face the prospect of an African qualifying tournament to get a place at Paris 2024.
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