HSBC SVNS New York: Blitzboks and Fiji set for winner-takes-all regular season finale
HSBC SVNS
The Blitzboks and Fiji have both powered into the semi-finals at the New York Sevens, keeping their title hopes alive. With both teams tied at the top of the log, Sunday’s action at the Sports Illustrated Stadium will decide who walks away as the HSBC SVNS regular-season champions. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
The race for the HSBC SVNS regular-season title is set for a dramatic finish at the New York Sevens after the Springbok Sevens team and Fiji both powered their way into the semi-finals on Saturday.
The two teams arrived in the US locked together at the top of the standings on 86 points after an intense season-long duel across the global circuit. The Blitzboks’ back-to-back tournament victories in Perth and Vancouver ensured Fiji led only on points difference heading to Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey this weekend.
With the New York tournament the final stop of the regular season, coach Philip Snyman’s side need only finish higher than their rivals to lift the SVNS league title – setting the stage for a nail-biting finale on Sunday evening.
The two teams enjoyed contrasting starts to Saturday’s pool stage. South Africa thrashed New Zealand 22-7 before seeing off France 12-5 to book their place in the Cup semi-finals. However, they lost 19-12 in their final pool match against Australia to finish second in the group.
Against New Zealand, the Blitzboks controlled possession and dominated the breakdown, which allowed them to dictate the tempo of the match.
Veterna playmaker Selvyn Davids opened the scoring, while Sebastiaan Jobb grabbed a brace on either side of half-time. The loudest cheers, however, were reserved for forward Grant de Jager, who dotted down for his first HSBC SVNS try in the second half. New Zealand crossed late, but the result was already beyond doubt.
The clash with France proved far tighter. The Olympic champions struck first, but Tristan Leyds responded with a superb individual effort before Ronald Brown scored and converted what proved to be the match-winning try in the second half.
South Africa suffered a setback ahead of their final pool match when Leyds and Dewald Human were ruled out with injuries, disrupting the rhythm of the Blitzboks’ attack against Australia.
Davids marked a personal milestone by scoring his 100th series try to give South Africa the early lead. Australia responded with two tries to take control before the break. Davids then crossed again for his 101st career try, but a late Australian score sealed the win.
Fiji’s campaign began with a surprise defeat to Argentina, but the islanders quickly rediscovered their rhythm. They produced a thrilling come-from-behind win against Great Britain before cruising past Spain to finish second in their pool behind Argentina.
The Blitzboks will face Argentina in Sunday’s second semi-final (kick-off 6.50pm), while Fiji meet Australia in the first one. If both teams win, the title race will effectively become a winner-takes-all showdown in the New York final.
Should either stumble, the other will have a golden opportunity to secure the regular-season crown. Either way, with both heavyweights still standing in New York, the SVNS league title race has unfolded exactly as fans would have hoped – a thrilling duel going right down to the wire.