The Blitzboks secured the HSBC SVNS New York title and were crowned overall winners of the 2026 HSBC SVNS Series after defeating Fiji in both races at the Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday.
Head coach Philip Snyman praised his team’s defensive effort and commitment, describing the performance as a demonstration of what Springbok Sevens represents.
“This was special, not because of the execution of play, but the heart and intensity to play for each other that was shown out there,” said Snyman. “The defensive effort was something else from minute one until the last play.”
The coach highlighted a crucial final sequence when Fiji created overlaps but could not break through the Blitzboks’ defence. He credited the players for embracing his vision to build squad depth by integrating new players alongside senior team members.
Captain Impi Visser, who celebrated his 50th world series tournament appearance, finished the final with blood streaming from his face but said the defensive performance secured victory.
“We gave them a bit too much possession, which is what Fiji thrives on, but our defence won the day,” said Visser. “We did not play our best rugby of the tournament in the final, but our defence was outstanding.”
Selvyn Davids, named Player of the Final, attributed his individual recognition to the team’s collective effort.
“We did not always play the perfect game or did what the coaches wanted us to do, but we played for each other, our support system and our country every time we ran onto the field,” said Davids.
Siviwe Soyizwapi (33), the most capped player in the current squad with 64 world series tournament appearances, compared the achievement to the team’s back-to-back series wins in the 2016/17 season.
“This time around, after all these years and at my age, this one is perhaps more special. The effort was unreal,” said Soyizwapi, who had overcome a string of injuries to return to the team.
The Blitzboks face three more tournaments in the HSBC SVNS World Championship, with stops scheduled in Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux. The team is set to arrive back in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Scorers:
Semi-final: South Africa 14 (14), Argentina 5 (0)
SA – Tries: Sebastiaan Jobb, Selvyn Davids. Conversions: Tristan Leyds (2).
Argentina – Try: Marcus Moneta.
Final: South Africa 10 (5), Fiji 7 (0)
SA – Tries: Gino Cupido, Tristan Leyds.
Fiji – Try: Terio Veilawa. Conversion: Veilawa.
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