Watch VideoBlitzboks break Hong Kong jinx to claim maiden title in opening World Championship tournament

Tristan Leyds was named Player of the Final after a commanding display against Argentina as the Blitzboks claimed a maiden Hong Kong SVNS title on Sunday. Theyarrived calm and composed, and with a mature display of skill and prowess,the Springbok Sevens secured their first-ever Hong Kong SVNS titleto claim the opening World Championship tournament victory. With two more legs to go, they are now in pole position to become the first side to win the revamped regular season and the Championship in one season,after defeating defending Hong Kong champions Argentina 35-7 in the final.

It was arguably the Blitzboks’ most clinical performance in a Cup final — and in the Far East — as they finally broke a long-standing curse to seal the title. They had come close on several occasions over the years, even when head coach Philip Snyman was still a player, but ended their drought in the tournament’s 50th edition. A brace from playmaker Selvyn Davids, combined with some brilliant assists and the opening try by fellow star Tristan Leyds, spearheaded the team to gold.

Shilton van Wyk and Ryan Oosthuizen also crossed the try line to put the result beyond the Argentines. Oosthuizen, skipper Impi Visser and Zain Davids were resolute in defence, while former captain Siviwe Soyizwapi made a significant impact off the bench. “It is an amazing feeling and I am proud of the boys,” Visser said after the victory.

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“We’ve broken the Hong Kong Sevens hoodoo and can finally call ourselves champions. On Day One, we were very poor and took a heavy defeat from Spain, and Uruguay also gave us a tough contest. We did well to bounce back on Day Two, and it shows what this team is all about.

Earlier on Sunday, the Blitzboks defeated New Zealand in the semi-finals with another clinical display, scoring four tries in a 26–14 victory. They will now have an opportunity to reset ahead of the second leg of the World Championship in Valladolid, Spain, next month, where they will look to extend their lead towards the overall title. The third and final even will take place in Bordeaux in June.

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