PERTH – The wait is finally over. After seven agonising years, the Blitzboks have won in Australia, edging out arch-rivals Fiji 21-19 in a pulsating Perth Sevens Cup final that had the Western Australian capital on the edge of their seats. This wasn’t just revenge for the pool stage defeat earlier in the tournament, this was a statement of intent from a South African side that refused to buckle when the pressure gauge hit maximum.
From the opening whistle, South Africa exploded onto the pitch with ferocious intensity, attacking from the kick-off like men possessed. The Blitzboks’ early onslaught promised fireworks, but the attack splintered when Tristan Leyds couldn’t cling onto a crucial pass. Rugby sevens is merciless, one mistake and the momentum shifts in a heartbeat.
Fiji, those magnificent magicians from the Pacific, wasted no time capitalising. From the resulting scrum, they attacked with trademark pace, stretching the South African defence with their trademark offloading game. But the wayward pass that seemed destined to unlock the Blitzboks’ line instead found David Brits, who popped it to Leyds for redemption. The playmaker drew the Fijian defenders like moths to a flame before releasing Oosthuizen, who crashed over for the opening try. Seven-nil to South Africa, and the green and gold faithful erupted.
If the Blitzboks thought Fiji would be rattled, they had another thing coming. The Flying Fijians simply upped the ante, coming at South Africa even harder. But the Blitzboks’ clinical edge shone through when Shilton van Wyk threaded a beautiful connection with Sebastian Jobb, who found space where there appeared to be none before dotting down under the sticks. Fourteen-nil, and the Cup was seemingly destined for a flight to South Africa.
Fiji, though, don’t do surrender. Naduvalo received a long pass, straightened the line with frightening efficiency, and his electric pace carved open the South African defence. Nobody laid a finger on him as he galloped over. Fourteen-five.
The Blitzboks’ discipline cracked at the breakdown, gifting Fiji a penalty that would prove pivotal. The Pacific Islanders attacked with venom, sending it wide where Matana executed a gorgeous switch that left Oosthuizen grasping at shadows. Matana waltzed in, and suddenly it was 14-12 at the interval. The momentum had swung dramatically, and the Perth crowd knew they were witnessing something special.
From the restart, Fiji twisted the knife. A late switch on the edge saw Veilawa make Soyizwapi look pedestrian as he scored under the posts. Nineteen-fourteen to Fiji, and the Blitzboks’ seven-year wait threatened to extend.
But champions respond. “We see you and raise you,” the South Africans seemed to say as Ryan Oosthuizen produced a moment of pure destruction, busting through four defenders like they weren’t there, leaving Fijian bodies scattered in his wake. Ricky Duarttee then stepped up with an exceptional conversion from the touchline that gave the Blitzboks the lead again, 21-19 with four minutes remaining.
The Blitzboks snatched the momentum, sending the ball coast to coast in a sweeping attack that had try written all over it. But Don was bundled into touch just metres from glory. Hearts in mouths.
Fiji won the lineout and launched one final assault from their own try line. South Africa’s defence was frantic but organised, scrambling across the park. The Flying Fijians stayed patient on attack, probing for gaps, and when space appeared, they attacked it with hard running. But the Blitzboks’ cover defence was immense, snuffing out the danger with desperate tackles.
With seconds remaining, Fiji infringed at the breakdown. South Africa chose the scrum as the hooter sounded. The Blitzboks won the penalty, and when the ball sailed into touch, seven years of heartbreak evaporated in the Perth sunshine.
Twenty-one to nineteen. First Cup win since 2017. Revenge served ice-cold against the side that had beaten them in pool play.
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