Springbok Sevens win Vancouver title to close gap on Fiji in SVNS standings
The Springbok Sevens claimed their third title of the 2026 HSBC SVNS Series season after a commanding 38–12 victory over Spain in the final in Vancouver, Canada, on Monday morning (SA time).
The win moves South Africa level with Fiji on 86 points at the top of the series standings, with only points difference separating the two national men's sevens teams ahead of the final regular-season tournament in New York City next weekend.
Fiji remains narrowly ahead with a points differential of +201 compared to South Africa’s +199, meaning the overall series title will be decided at the final event in the United States.
Blitzboks dominate the final
South Africa made a fast start in the final, racing to a 17–0 halftime lead after tries by Ryan Oosthuizen, Sebastiaan Jobb, and Shilton van Wyk.
Oosthuizen opened the scoring after a quick tap penalty allowed him to break through from 50 metres out. South Africa’s aggressive defence then forced errors from Spain, with Jobb and Van Wyk capitalising on turnovers to extend the lead.
Van Wyk added his second try shortly after the restart before Spain briefly responded through Jeremy Trevithick.
However, South Africa quickly regained control when Gino Cupido finished off a flowing move to stretch the advantage.
Spain managed another late try through Anton Legorburu Anso, but Blitzbok captain Impi Visser sealed the result with a dramatic 50-metre intercept try.
Tristan Leyds was named Player of the Final for his influential performance.
Comeback win in semi-final
Earlier in the day, South Africa secured their place in the final with a 19–12 comeback victory over Australia national rugby sevens team.
The SA Rugby Union says in a statement that Ronald Brown opened the scoring for the Blitzboks, but Australia struck back with two quick tries to take a 12–7 lead into halftime.
Semi-final: South Africa 19 (7), Australia 12 (12)
SA - Tries: Ronald Brown, David Brits, Selvyn Davids. Conversions: Brown, Tristan Leyds.
Australia - Tries: Aden Ekanayake (2). Conversion: Dietrich Roache.
Final: South Africa 38 (17), Spain 12 (0)
SA - Tries: Ryan Oosthuizen, Sebastiaan Jobb, Shilton van Wyk (2), Gino Cupido, Impi Visser. Conversions: Ronald Brown (2), Dewald Human (2).
Spain - Tries: Jeremy Trevithick, Anton Legorburu Anso. Conversion: Juan Martinez.
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