The Springbok Sevens side had to dig deep to write their slice of history, becoming the first men’s team to win the Mother City showpiece in consecutive years at what has grown into the most beloved stop on the Sevens World circuit.

Donavan Don, Nabo Sokoyi and Christie Grobbelaar dotted down for the hosts, but in the end the difference came from the cool head and clinical boot of Ricardo Duarttee, who slotted all three conversions under pressure.

Shilton van Wyk - SA Rugby

It capped a near-perfect weekend for the Blitzboks, who responded in emphatic style after the disappointment of Dubai seven days earlier.

Their title defence began with a tense 24–21 win over Fiji, followed by a gritty 19–14 victory over Dubai champions New Zealand. They then flexed their attacking muscle with a 41–7 demolition of Great Britain to cruise into Sunday’s knockout stages.

In the semi-finals, they held their nerve to beat a dangerous French outfit 22–17, setting up a blockbuster final against the ever-consistent Argentines - whom they outlasted with sheer determination and a stadium full of roaring supporters behind them.

After the historic triumph, captain Impi Visser said defending their Cape Town crown was the squad’s primary mission - and they were prepared to leave everything on the pitch to make it happen.

“Our motto for the weekend was ‘stay in the moment’,” Visser explained.

“We managed to do that, and when the big moments came, we were ready and able to handle them. That was the difference today, I believe.”

He admitted the team arrived in Cape Town with a point to prove.

“We wanted to come back and rectify things because we didn’t do justice to the jersey last weekend,” he said.

Selvyn Davids - SA Rugby

“This weekend, beating very tough opponents, proved again what this jersey stands for and how much we believe in it.

“Credit to every player involved, and also to the extended group who helped us prepare so well over the last two weeks. They deserve this just as much as we do.”

Visser also praised the passionate Cape Town crowd, who once again turned the stadium into a cauldron of noise and colour.

“They were instrumental in this win. They brought the energy and lifted us every time we made a mistake,” he said. “Someone like Christie Grobbelaar - an experienced guy - got to win here for the first time, while Nabo Sokoyi made a massive contribution in the final on debut. It was a good day to be a Blitzbok.”

Meanwhile, Australia won the women’s competition afterbeating New Zealand 26–12 in the final.

The squad will now enjoy a well-earned festive break before shifting their focus to the Singapore Sevens, scheduled for 31 January to 1 February 2026.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport