The Blitzboks ended their nine-year drought at the HSBC SVNS Cape Town tournament with a commanding 26-14 victory over France in Sunday’s final, delighting a sold-out crowd of over 75,000 across the weekend.

The win marked the Springbok Sevens’ first Cape Town triumph since 2015 and was a moment of pride for head coach Philip Snyman, who was part of the team that claimed the inaugural title nine years ago.

“It’s an incredible feeling to see the players enjoy this moment,” Snyman said. “They are the true heroes, playing not just for themselves but for every squad member who couldn’t be on the field. This win is a testament to their hard work and resilience.”

Tactical Adjustments Pay Off

After a disappointing finish in Dubai last weekend, the Blitzboks made key adjustments that proved decisive in Cape Town.

“We focused on applying more defensive pressure and capitalizing on turnover ball, ensuring our playmakers had opportunities on the outside,” Snyman explained.

“We conceded just two tries on day one and turned up the intensity on day two. Despite slow starts in the semi-final and final, the team showed immense character to recover and win.”

The victory was a reward for months of preparation, with Snyman praising his squad’s dedication.

“This is for every South African fan who has stood by us. We have the best supporters in the world, and I hope this marks the start of something special for the Blitzboks.”

Captains Celebrate Breakthrough

Co-captain Zain Davids highlighted the team’s unity as the driving force behind the win. “The guys showed so much heart. We played for each other, and you can see how much this means to everyone,” he said.

Impi Visser, the team’s other co-captain, described the win as “incredible.”

“It’s been nine years since we last won this tournament, so breaking that streak feels amazing. We knew we had a special group of players, and even though we fell short in Dubai, the new guys stepped up this week. We’re building something truly remarkable, and with self-belief, we can aim for the top spot.”

The victory in Cape Town sets an optimistic tone for the Blitzboks as they continue their campaign in the HSBC SVNS series. With momentum and a renewed sense of purpose, the team will look to build on their success and climb to the pinnacle of the sevens rugby world.