By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Springbok Sevens became the first team to go back-to-back in the Cape Town Sevens, as they came from behind to beat World Series champions Argentina 21-19 in a pulsating final.
The Blitzboks were behind from the start but rallied exceptionally well in the final minutes to defend their title they won under coach Philip Snyman last year, much to the delight of the local crowd.
Donavan Don, Nabo Sokoyi and Christie Grobbelaar dotted down for the hosts, but in the end the difference came from the cool head and clinical boot of Ricardo Duarttee, who slotted all three conversions under pressure.
It capped a near-perfect weekend for the Blitzboks, who responded in emphatic style after the disappointment of Dubai seven days earlier.
Their title defence began with a tense 24–21 win over Fiji, followed by a gritty 19–14 victory over Dubai champions New Zealand. They then flexed their attacking muscle with a 41–7 demolition of Great Britain to cruise into Sunday’s knockout stages.
In the semi-finals, they held their nerve to beat a dangerous French outfit 22–17, setting up a blockbuster final against the ever-consistent Argentines – whom they outlasted with sheer determination and a stadium full of roaring supporters behind them.
After the historic triumph, captain Impi Visser said defending their Cape Town crown was the squad’s primary mission – and they were prepared to leave everything on the pitch to make it happen.
“Our motto for the weekend was ‘stay in the moment’,” Visser explained.
“We managed to do that, and when the big moments came, we were ready and able to handle them. That was the difference today, I believe.”
Meanwhile, Australia won the women’s competition after beating New Zealand 26–12 in the final.
The squad will now enjoy a well-earned festive break before shifting their focus to the Singapore Sevens, scheduled for 31 January to 1 February.