Blitzboks' downward spiral continues with embarrassing first-ever loss to Spain in Singapore

South Africa's worrying decline as a force in the Sevens game gained further momentum on Sunday after the Blitzboks suffered an embarrassing 5-12 defeat to Spain to dumped out of the Singapore tournament without any log points.

Furthermore, they created unwanted history by losing to the Spaniards for the first time in their history.

It's true that Sandile Ngcobo's charges have pulled on the short end of the stick in terms of a myriad injuries this season, but a line-up featuring experienced and accomplished performers in Impi Visser, Ryan Oosthuizen, Mfundo Ndhlovu and skipper Shakes Soyizwapi should've had enough nous and class to secure this 9th place semi-final play-off.

Instead, the Blitzboks were toothless and undisciplined after seemingly turning the corner earlier on Sunday morning with a 12-7 triumph over Ireland.

Starved of possession initially, the South Africans were robust on defence without being able to impose themselves enough to launch their famed counterattacking play.

However, in the third minute a Spain turnover in midfield allowed for Ethan James to glide through a yawning gap, where he created enough momentum for the ever-willing Soyizwapi to muscle over in the right corner.

"He's a wizard" ??‍??Pol Pla was instrumental in Spain's first win over South Africa! ??#HSBC7s | #Singapore7s | @ferugby pic.twitter.com/ttjfaBVpfI

But what should've been a platform to take control, the Blitzboks botched the immediate kick-off, allowing Spain to tap from halfway and again camp in South Africa's own half before a silky set-move off a scrum saw Nicolas Nieto charge in off an angle, freeing up Pol Pla to dot down in the left corner.

Pla, considered one of the Spaniard's true heroes, showcased his wizardry again early in