Beneath the golden California sun and amidst the roar of South African cheers echoing through Dignity Health Sports Park, the Blitzboks found their moment of perfection.
The Springbok Sevens side stormed to the HSBC SVNS World Championship title this past weekend, emerging as the only unbeaten team in Los Angeles and reclaiming their place among rugby’s elite.
What unfolded on the manicured pitches of LA was more than just a tournament win—it was a statement. The Blitzboks not only lifted the trophy, but rekindled the flame of South African sevens rugby with a commanding, soulful, and at times breathtaking display.
It was just one of those weekends where everything clicked. We gave it everything. Every tackle, every sprint—it was all for the badge, for each other. That’s what made it so special.
A weekend of redemption and brilliance
The road to glory began with clinical wins over France, Great Britain, and Argentina on day one. On day two, the Blitzboks turned up the heat, dispatching a dangerous New Zealand side and a spirited Spain to claim their first-ever Sevens World Championship title.
Head coach Philip Snyman, who has steered the team through turbulent waters this season, couldn’t hide his pride.
This team delivered an amazing performance over the weekend. We had some highs and lows this season, but this weekend—this was the full picture. The plan came together, and the players executed it with precision and heart.
Snyman praised the tactical execution but emphasized it was the intangible spirit that carried them through.
They really stuck to our plan, but also played the moments—those flashes of brilliance you can’t coach. This weekend showed the true colours of Springbok Sevens. This is what we are about.
Selvyn David’s : The relentless heartbeat
At the centre of it all was Selvyn Davids, whose leadership and creativity lit up the tournament. From deft passes to defensive steel and moments of magic in open play, Davids was everywhere. But in true captain’s fashion, he deflected the spotlight.
This wasn’t about one player. There were tough patches in each match, but someone always stepped up. That was our secret—we trusted each other. We just kept focusing on the next job, and it paid off.
The win in Los Angeles was a culmination of months of effort, introspection, and hard lessons. One of the biggest? Consistency.
We’ve learned that being consistent is everything. We let games slip earlier in the season because we weren’t consistent enough. This weekend, we stayed locked in—and it brought us gold.
Back to where they belong
The Blitzboks' win wasn’t just a tournament triumph—it was a narrative of redemption. After a season marked by inconsistency and frustration, Los Angeles became the theatre where they reclaimed their rhythm, their identity, and their pride.
This performance completes the puzzle. We saw the potential of this squad, and they believed in the process. What they gave us this weekend—was a beautiful picture of what Springbok Sevens can be.
As the team prepares to return to South Africa on Tuesday, they do so as world champions—united, unyielding, and once again standing tall among the giants of the game.
