The Springbok Sevens have found their clinical edge again and the rest of the world is taking notice. After a massive victory in Perth and a dominant showing in Vancouver, the Blitzboks are now chasing a rare three-peat as they head to New York this weekend.
The win in Canada has catapulted South Africa to the joint-top of the HSBC SVNS standings, where they now sit level with Fiji on 86 points heading into the final regular-season stop.
The turnaround in form has been a testament to the squad’s resilience following a tough period of rebuilding. In Vancouver, the South Africans showed pure class in the final against Spain, securing the title with a commanding 38-12 victory that has put the series title within their reach.
Beyond the trophies, the last two tournaments have seen incredible individual milestones reached by the veterans of the side. Shilton van Wyk joined the elite 100-try club during the run in Vancouver, showcasing the finishing prowess that has become his trademark.
“It’s great to see the boys’ hard work is paying off, they really give it everything every time.” – JAY
The team’s experience has been bolstered by players who have consistently delivered on the world stage over many seasons.
Zain Davids remains a vital physical presence in the pack with over 50 tournaments to his name, while the veteran experience of Ryan Oosthuizen, now in his 61st world series appearance, continues to provide the leadership needed in high-pressure finals.
The focus now shifts to the Big Apple where the heat will be on to see if they can maintain this high-intensity physical game. The squad has remained largely unchanged for the next leg, ensuring the combinations that clicked so well in Canada remain intact for the hunt in New York.
Winning three consecutive tournaments in the modern era of Sevens is a massive mountain to climb, but the current data shows South Africa is the form team in the world.
📸 Photos via HSBC SVNS
