'I'm almost speechless... We just reminded everyone who we are'

The Springbok Sevens squad finally shattered their long?standing Hong Kong hoodoo on Sunday, clinching their first?ever HSBC SVNS title at rugby sevens’ spiritual home with a ruthless 35?7 dismantling of Argentina at Kai Tak Sports Stadium.

Having waited half a century to lift the trophy in Hong Kong, Blitzbok head coach Philip Snyman admitted the magnitude of the moment was almost overwhelming, even for someone who understands the tournament’s significance better than most.

“I’m almost speechless,” Snyman said afterwards. “There is a massive feeling of pride and gratitude at this moment. We waited so long for this, and I am happy we finally did it. I am also very happy for us as a group, not only those here tonight, but also those back home who worked just as hard to make it possible.”

Snyman was part of a back?to?back World Series?winning side and captained teams that won everywhere except Hong Kong, giving him a unique appreciation of just how difficult the breakthrough proved to be.

Despite the history?making triumph, Snyman insists the squad will not allow emotion to derail their focus, even as they take time to savour the moment.

“We will just relax and enjoy and celebrate tonight. We know the job is not done, but 50 years was a long time to wait for this.”

The coach also referenced the turning point of the tournament after a poor second pool outing on Friday, which forced the squad into some honest reflection following below?par performances against Uruguay and Spain.

“We just reminded everyone who we are, what we represent and what we came to do,” he said. “The book on Hong Kong 2026 might not have had six perfect chapters, but what a great ending to the story.”

Sunday’s clinical displays against New Zealand and Argentina left a clear impression on their coach.

“The way we came back from that stutter was exceptional, especially today when we played against two very good teams in New Zealand and Argentina. We were so clinical and effective in everything we did, it was wonderful to see first-hand.”

Snyman also acknowledged the broader context of their form across the series as the Blitzboks continue a dream run.

“Four tournament wins from four is amazing and we are enjoying it, knowing it will not last forever. For now though, we are enjoying it and feeling very proud of what we have achieved so far.”

Captain Impi Visser echoed those sentiments, describing the win as a moment that will resonate long after their current run ends.

“I am just so proud of the boys because we achieved something special today,” said Visser. “We broke the hoodoo in Hong Kong and can finally call ourselves champions here and that is amazing.”

Visser admitted the group had been shaken by their day?one defeat against Spain, but said the response revealed their true character.

“We came back from a dark place on Friday night as that defeat hurt, as suddenly doubt started to creep in, but we had a good chat and turned it around like I expected the guys to do.

“There are massive fight and pride in this team, and it showed once we were under pressure. We realised the focus should be on creating and assisting in a try rather than thinking of the celebration of it and we turned it around, that big win over Argentina Saturday laid the foundation for the rest of the tournament.

“Today was a showcase of what we are capable of. The management moulded us into a competitive team and credit for them.”

Despite their dominance, the Blitzbok skipper stressed the importance of staying grounded as the series continues.

“We will keep our heads down and stay honest once we get back to work for the next two tournaments. We have seen hard work pays off, so there is no need to change that habit now.”