Blitzboks and Black Ferns seal spectacular HSBC series victories in New York
Focus now shifts to the high-stakes Championship in Hong Kong, set for 17–19 April, following two thrilling days of action at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Black Ferns lift the New York 7s trophy// World Rugby
By Mahlon Lichuma
The South Africa Blitzboks and the New Zealand Black Ferns Sevens delivered stunning performances at the inaugural HSBC SVNS New York, claiming both the tournament titles and the overall series crowns dramatically.
In the men’s final, South Africa edged out Fiji Sevens 10–7 to clinch gold and secure the overall HSBC SVNS Series title. Head coach Philip Snyman’s side produced a composed and disciplined display, with captain Impi Visser marking his 50th global series appearance by setting up Gino Cupido for the opening try. Tristan Leyds added a second before Terio Veilawa hit back for Fiji, setting up a tense finish.
The Blitzboks’ defensive resilience ultimately made the difference as they secured their fourth tournament win of the season, adding New York to victories in Cape Town, Perth, and Vancouver. Fiji, meanwhile, extended their impressive record with a sixth podium finish in six events.
HSBC Sevens Player of the Final Selvyn Davids praised the team effort, saying: “What a performance! We stuck to our guns because we knew Fiji were going to be physical, but thankfully we came out on top.”
Captain Visser added, “It was a massive defensive effort and testament to all our hard work. We couldn’t have scripted it any better.”
In the women’s competition, the Black Ferns sealed a fifth HSBC SVNS Series title in six events with a thrilling 22–21 victory over Australia Sevens Women. Although New Zealand had already been crowned overall champions on Saturday, they were determined to close out the season in style and did so with a dramatic win over their fiercest rivals.
Australia produced a spirited performance, scoring through Maddison Levi and Teagan Levi (two), but New Zealand’s champion pedigree shone through as Kelsey Teneti (two), Alena Saili, and Katelyn Vahaakolo crossed the line to secure the title.
Player of the Final Teneti reflected on the hard-fought win: “It was a full fight… It took the whole team. Words can’t even describe the feeling.”
Captain Risi Pouri-Lane added: “Finals footie can go either way, so we had to grind it out. The belief across the team was huge.”
Alan Gilpin hailed the New York debut as a landmark moment for the sport, saying: “It’s been amazing… Sevens rugby in one of the best cities in the world. It shows what’s possible for rugby in the US.”
Focus now shifts to the high-stakes Championship in Hong Kong, set for 17–19 April, following two thrilling days of action at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.
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