The Blitzboks electrified Cape Town on Sunday night, defeating France 26-14 in a sensational final to claim their first home Sevens title in nearly a decade.

This long-awaited triumph broke a nine-year drought, marking the first time since 2020 that the Springbok Sevens side reached a final and their first victory on home soil since 2015.

For head coach Philip Snyman, the win was more than just another trophy—it symbolised the team’s revival after two turbulent seasons. Once a dominant force in Sevens rugby, the Blitzboks struggled in recent years. Yet, under Snyman’s leadership, the team has clawed its way back into contention.

After a hard-fought Olympic qualification last season and a bronze medal finish at the Paris Sevens, this Cape Town triumph felt like a full-circle moment for a team rebuilding its legacy.

Fittingly, the final served as a chance for redemption. France, who had dashed South Africa’s hopes in the Paris Sevens semifinal, found themselves outmatched in Cape Town. The French came into the final riding high after an impressive weekend that included a 50-point demolition of New Zealand and a pulsating semifinal victory over Fiji.

However, their momentum was no match for the heart, passion, and pride of the Blitzboks.The Blitzboks’ journey to the final was a showcase of grit and determination. They overcame every challenge thrown their way, from tough pool matches against Ireland and Argentina to a tense semifinal against a spirited Spanish side. Each game served as a stepping stone, building the team’s confidence and sharpening their edge for the ultimate showdown.

Even when French forward Celian Pouzelgues crossed the try line early in the final, the Blitzboks remained unfazed. They regrouped quickly, knowing their time would come. Moments later, Donavan Don, a former SA U20 standout, seized the moment, slicing through the French defense with a burst of speed to level the scores.

The momentum swung decisively when the Blitzboks struck again almost immediately. Captain Zain Davids, embodying the team’s never-say-die spirit, powered over the line after a strong build-up from David Brits.

France retaliated with a well-worked try by Varian Pasquet, leveling the game just before halftime. With the score tied at 14-14, the stage was set for a dramatic second half.

As has become their hallmark, the Blitzboks unleashed their speedsters in the second half to devastating effect. Shilton van Wyk, who had an exceptional tournament, partnered brilliantly with playmaker Dewald Human to take control of the game. Human’s precision kicking created the breakthrough, as he grubbered a perfectly weighted ball for Van Wyk to chase. The speedster’s blistering pace left the French defense in his wake as he collected the ball and dived over the line for a crucial try.

The decisive moment came shortly afterward when Van Wyk capitalised on a quick-tap penalty. Exploiting a gap in the French defense, he surged forward before sending the ball wide to David Brits, who leapt spectacularly to score. With that try, the Blitzboks seized control of the game and never looked back.

Despite a late yellow card to Shakes Soyizwapi, the Blitzboks held firm. Fueled by the energy of the partisan Cape Town crowd, they thwarted France’s desperate attempts to stage a comeback and closed out the game in style.

Coach Snyman, ever the realist, emphasised that this is just the beginning of the journey. However, the significance of this victory cannot be overstated. Winning on home soil, breaking a nine-year drought, and restoring pride in the Green and Gold jersey is a monumental step forward for a team that has faced so much adversity in the past two years.

As Cape Town celebrated late into Sunday night, the Blitzboks moved into third place in the HSBC World Sevens Series standings. Tied with France on 30 points and trailing Fiji and Spain, they’ve positioned themselves as serious contenders for the season ahead.

More importantly, this victory feels like the dawn of a new era for the Blitzboks. With their resilience, flair, and unshakable spirit, they’ve reminded the world—and themselves—what it means to wear the Green and Gold.

As they look to build on this success, one thing is certain: the Blitzboks are back, and they’re here to stay.