Blitzboks claim fairytale SVNS 1 finish: ‘Almost like somebody scripted it’

Impi Visser has likened the Blitzboks’ fairytale finish to the HSBC SVNS Series regular season to a script, with South Africa holding on for a thrilling 10-7 win over Fiji in a Men’s Cup Final for the ages at New York’s Sports Illustrated Stadium.

South Africa and Fiji were level on the overall standings ahead of the final SVNS 1 tournament of the 2025/26 campaign. Whoever finished higher at SVNS New York would secure the League title and be exempt from relegation during the upcoming  World Championship Series.

Fiji dropped their first match of the weekend to Argentina, but rallied with much-needed wins over Great Britain and Spain. As for South Africa, they defeated New Zealand and France before falling to Australia late on day one.

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Those results set up the semi-final matchups, with two trophies on the line for the two SVNS front-runners on Sunday. With both teams qualifying for the big dance, it was winner-takes-all for the victor in the Men’s Cup Final.

South Africa led 10-0 after tries to Gino Cupido and Tristan Leyds, before Fiji struck back midway through the second half through Terio Veilawa. But no more points were scored, with the Blitzboks’ defence the difference in the race for the SVNS Series title.

“Just a massive, massive defensive effort,” Visser said post-game on the broadcast, which you can watch on RugbyPass TV.

“Fiji brought out the best but I think our defence system just beat them today but that’s just a testament to all the hard work that we’ve been doing.

“It’s funny that it happened like that. It’s almost like somebody scripted it, you couldn’t have written it better. We’re just thankful we came out with the win.”

Fiji had the ball inside South Africa’s half with less than one minute remaining in the decider. The Fijians made their mark into the red zone and looked a real chance of scoring, before replacement Kavekini Tanivanuakula knocked the ball on with 10 seconds left.

The Blitzboks were awarded a scrum, with an infringement against Fiji saw some celebrations start early. Ronald Brown kicked the ball high into the stands, with referee Peter Martin officially bringing the match to an end.

It was a history-making weekend for playmaker Selvyn Davids, who reached the 100-try career tally mark. Davids was awarded Player of the Final honours, after the Blitzboks secured their fourth Cup title from six events this season.

“What a performance. We stuck to our guns, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy but we went out there, gave it our all,” Davids reflected.

“We knew they’re going to be physical but the guys stood their ground and luckily for us we came out on top.

“We just knew we can’t relax now… I can’t say we were lucky. We did our best, we left everything on the pitch and that’s what we stand for.”