South Africa’s rugby fraternity woke to the news on Monday that the men’s Sevens has been crowned HSBS SVNS World Champions, after going unbeaten at the season-ending tournament in Los Angeles.
South Africa went unbeaten in LA, having seen off France, Great Britain, Argentina and New Zealand, before downing Spain 19-5 in the final. It was the fifth such woeld championship title in South Africa’s history.
New Zealand beat Australia in the women’s final.
South Africa coach Philip Snyman said: “The team never stopped believing. They played five phenomenal games and were unstoppable. This team can go places. I am very proud of them.”
They were determined on defence and clinical on attack against a plucky Spain to win their second title of the 2025 season, after raising the trophy in Cape Town in December 2024.
They managed to keep Spain away from their tryline with solid defence and when in possession, struck when it mattered, and even managed to score when down to six men following a late yellow card to Zander Reynders.
The performance in the final wrapped up a magnificent effort at the tournament, where the South Africa had no peers and hard as Spain tried, they had no answers to unlock the determination of their opponents to not let them get past them.
The turning point in the final came soon after when Mfundo Ndhlovu, who last played in Cape Town in December, outfoxed a rushing defence and then raced away from inside his own 22 to score. Ronald Brown converted and at 14-5 and two minutes to play, the advantage was with South Africa.
Selvyn Davids was named Player of the Match and scored the opening try from deep to break the deadlock.
