This was the Blitzboks first on Australian soil since lifting the trophy in Sydney back in 2017. 

In a contest that swung like a pendulum at a packed HBF Park, the Blitzboks showed steel, composure and trademark intensity to topple the series log leaders, exacting sweet revenge after painful defeats to the Pacific Islanders in Singapore and again during the pool stage on Saturday.

South Africa held a narrow 14–12 advantage at the break after a disciplined opening half built on ferocious defence and clinical finishing. 

However, Fiji surged early in the second stanza, crossing twice to snatch the lead and put the Blitzboks under serious pressure, leading by five points with just four minutes remaining. That was when the men in green and gold dug deep.

Sebastiaan Jobb. Photo: SA Rugby

The closing stages belonged to the Blitzboks, who lifted their defensive effort to another level, hitting rucks hard and refusing to give Fiji any breathing room. When the chance finally came, Ryan Oosthuizen made it count in emphatic fashion. 

Already on the scoresheet, the powerful forward bulldozed his way through four would-be tacklers, carrying defenders with him as he crashed over for a crucial second try.

Ricardo Duarttee kept his nerve to slot a difficult conversion from out wide, nudging South Africa back in front. Donavan Don nearly added the insurance score moments later, only to be bundled into touch, but the Blitzboks closed out the match superbly, pinning Fiji deep in their own territory to seal a famous victory.

Shilton van Wyk. Photo: SA Rugby

Oosthuizen, deservedly named Player of the Final, had set the tone early on. Relentless defensive pressure forced a loose Fijian pass, Dillyn Leyds pounced and sent Oosthuizen charging away for the opening try, with Duarttee adding the extras for a 7–0 lead.

The second try followed a familiar script. Once again, the Blitzboks’ defence created the opening, and from the turnover Duarttee released Sebastiaan Jobb out wide. The wing finished neatly, and another successful conversion pushed South Africa 14–0 ahead.

Fiji responded in typical fashion, striking back with three unanswered tries to swing the momentum their way. But unlike previous encounters, the Blitzboks refused to fold, with Oosthuizen’s late heroics ensuring the trophy stayed in South African hands.

Scorers:

South Africa: Tries - Ryan Oosthuizen 2, Sebastiaan Jobb Conv. - Ricardo Duarttee 3

Fiji: Tries - Viwa Naduvalo, Jeremaia Matana, Terio Veilawa Conv. - Terio Veilawa, Iowane Teba

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg