France beat All Blacks Sevens to claim famous SVNS Bordeaux title

France have won the title at their home HSBC SVNS World Championship event in Bordeaux, bringing their season to a triumphant end. Les Bleus Sevens emerged victorious in a 14-5 thriller against the All Blacks Sevens, with a lively French crowd watching on. 

Antoine Dupont was a HSBC SVNS Series rookie when France last claimed silverware on the world’s premier sevens circuit. France took out the 2024 Grand Final in Madrid but have not won a SVNS title since, not including Olympic gold at the Paris Games. 

Les Bleus Sevens charged into the Cup Final at their home event after defeating SVNS World Championship winners the Blitzboks. They had the All Blacks Sevens up next in the decider, who had overcome a valiant Spanish outfit. 

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The home side controlled possession during the opening two minutes, which eventually led to points out wide. Paulin Riva and Antoine Zeghdar set up Rayan Rebbadj with some quick hands, with the No. 26 catching the ball near the left sideline. 

Jayden Keelan rose high to take the kick-off, before a powerful counter-ruck saw the French regain possession. But possession changed hands again when Rob Rush held a player up to secure a turnover. 

Celian Pouzelgues was shown a yellow card soon after for a high shot on Keelan. New Zealand made the most of their one-man advantage, with Keelan scoring with less than one minute left in the half. 

France had a try disallowed early in the second term, which added to the tense atmosphere that filled Stade Atlantique. It was a two point ballgame until the final minute, wehn Celian Pouzelgues broke through to score the match-sealing try. 

The Bordeaux crowd erupted into a celebratory cheer, with players soaking in every moment of this title victory on home soil. France were seventh on the World Championship standings ahead of SVNS Bordeaux but ended their campaign with a famous result. 

South Africa were another side that had plenty to celebrate after the event, when they received medals for the SVNS World Championship. The Blitzboks secured the circuit’s top prize when they beat Fiji in a thrilling quarter-final. 

“I hope it inspires them. I hope that we continue to unite our country with sport,” an emotional David Brits told RugbyPass in Bordeaux.  

“We’ve seen what the Springboks have done for our country. We’re just trying to add a little slice of the pizza so that we can all eat.  

“We want our whole country to be inspired by this and the grattitude from our side for the support that we do get is astronomical. I’m forever grateful.”