CAPE TOWN – The Springbok Sevens will battle Dubai champions New Zealand, flying Fijians, and Great Britain in Pool A when HSBC SVNS Cape Town kicks off Saturday at DHL Stadium.
Tournament organisers confirmed the pool draw following last weekend’s desert action, setting up what promises to be rugby sevens’ most competitive pool. The Blitzboks face their toughest challenge yet as defending champions.
Saturday’s opening match features Japan versus Canada at 10:00, whilst the Blitzboks commence their title defence against Fiji at 12:44. New Zealand awaits at 16:00, with Great Britain providing the final test at 19:41.
Pool A showcases rugby sevens’ elite try-scoring machines. New Zealand leads historically with 598 tries at 4.3 per game, followed closely by Fiji’s 589 tries at identical averages. The Blitzboks have accumulated 526 tries, averaging 3.9 per game.
Dubai’s tournament produced 254 tries across weekend action, averaging 6.5 tries per match—promising spectacular entertainment for Cape Town crowds.
Twenty-four pool matches determine Sunday’s semi-finalists, with the top two teams from each group advancing. The women’s final commences at 16:10, followed by the men’s showpiece at 16:43.
“The cut-throat format eliminates hiding places,” explained SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer. “Every match counts as teams pursue championship glory.”
Men’s Pools: – Pool A: South Africa, New Zealand, Fiji, Great Britain
– Pool B: Australia, Argentina, France, Spain
Women’s Pools: – Pool A: New Zealand, Fiji, Great Britain, USA – Pool B: Australia, Canada, France, Japan
“The Blitzboks recovered brilliantly in Dubai but face tremendous challenges defending their Cape Town crown,” Oberholzer continued. “We encourage loyal supporters seeking premium entertainment to support our boys at DHL Stadium.”
Also read: Clinical Blitzboks win season opener in Dubai
HSBC SVNS Cape Town signals summer’s official beginning, offering world-class rugby alongside exceptional food, beverages, and merchandise. The festival atmosphere combines sporting excellence with entertainment variety.
Tickets start from R250 per person daily, available through Ticketmaster.
The Springboks’ pool presents rugby sevens at its finest, pace, power, and precision determining who advances to Sunday’s knockout stages in this ultimate test of championship mettle.
