The Blitzboks walked off HBF Park in Perth on Sunday with gold medals around their necks and a deep sense of déjà vu. For the first time since 2017, South Africa’s Sevens heroes lifted a trophy on Australian soil after edging Fiji 21 19 in a tense final that kept fans on their feet until the last whistle.
It was not just a win. It was a reminder that South African Sevens rugby still knows how to dig in, absorb pressure and strike with precision when it matters most.
The moment Perth held its breath
The match felt like a story with two completely different chapters. The Blitzboks burst out early and took a 14-12 lead into halftime, thanks to relentless defence and quick counter attacking. Fiji, still glowing from their Singapore title last weekend, fought back in the second half and snatched a narrow lead with four minutes to go.
Perth was suddenly holding its breath. But the Blitzboks were far from finished.
Ryan Oosthuizen, who had already scored the opener and looked hungry all game, powered through four Fijian defenders to score a second try that will be replayed for months. Ricardo Duarttee’s calm conversion from a wide angle nudged South Africa back in front.
Donavan Don almost added another spark of magic, but even without it, the Blitzboks showed real maturity by locking Fiji in their own half until the clock ran out. When the whistle blew, players collapsed in celebration and exhaustion. It was a final that felt earned, not gifted.
How the final unfolded
Oosthuizen was deservedly named Player of the Final. His first try came from a moment of pressure that forced Fiji into a risky pass. Dillyn Leyds pounced and released Oosthuizen, who charged over for the opener.
Sebastiaan Jobb, who seems to enjoy scoring against the big teams, added the next try through a similar sequence of defensive intensity and quick turnover play. Duarttee stayed perfect with the boot to make it 14 0 before Fiji clawed their way back.
The island giants then struck with three unanswered tries. For a moment, it looked like another comeback win for Fiji, who had already beaten the Blitzboks twice in the same tournament. But this time, South Africa controlled the final minutes with grit.
The road to the final
Earlier on Sunday, South Africa brushed aside hosts Australia 28 12 in a confident semifinal performance. Shilton van Wyk opened the scoring after outsmarting his marker, before mistakes from the Aussies gifted Jobb two long range tries.
Australia tried to rally in the second half through Henry Hutchison and Ben Dowling, but Duarttee closed the door with another converted try after the hosts received a yellow card. The result was a statement that the Blitzboks had found their rhythm at the perfect time.
Why this win matters for South Africa
A title on Australian soil has been a long time coming. Although South Africans love the XVs format, Sevens has always held a special place because of its speed, unpredictability and the sense of pride it brings when the Blitzboks perform well abroad.
This victory also signals that the team has rediscovered some of the sharpness that fans have been hoping to see return consistently. With Sevens becoming more competitive every season, a win like this is more than just a trophy. It is proof that the Blitzboks can still outsmart, outmuscle and outlast the best teams in the world.
And for supporters back home, it reignites belief ahead of the next legs of the World SVNS Series.
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Source: SABC Sport
Featured Image Source: Blitzboks on X
