Exclusive: Blitzboks Break Cape Town Curse with Thrilling 7s Victory

After nine long years, the Blitzboks finally triumphed on home soil, clinching the Cape Town 7s title with a 26-17 victory over Olympic champions France in the final. The win marks a significant milestone for South Africa in the 2024/25 HSBC World Sevens Series, propelling the team to fourth place in the overall standings.

Coach Snyman Praises Team’s Resilience

Coach Philip Snyman credited the victory to the unwavering belief in the team’s "system" and the overwhelming support from the home crowd.

“I am really happy, especially for the boys,” Snyman told SportsBoom.com. “They played phenomenally the whole weekend. Defense and possession were the two areas we focused on, and the team executed that perfectly. We created pressure points, prevented teams from scoring, and became a dangerous side with ball in hand. There’s still room for improvement, but this is a great start for us.”

Breaking the "Homeground Curse"

The Blitzboks’ last home victory came during the 2015/16 season when the tournament was held in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). Since then, the Cape Town leg of the series had eluded them, raising questions about their ability to perform under the pressure of home expectations.

Reflecting on the victory, Snyman, who was part of the 2015/16 winning squad as a player, shared his pride in the team.

“It’s a very special win at home,” he said. “People might call it a ‘curse,’ but tonight the guys were hungry to prove themselves. They wanted to give back to Cape Town and South Africa. The players worked hard throughout preseason and showed their dedication on the field. They truly deserve this victory.”

The Role of the Cape Town Crowd

The atmosphere at DHL Stadium was electric, with a packed crowd cheering the Blitzboks to victory. Snyman highlighted the impact of the fans, calling them the team’s "8th player."

“Before the warm-up, the changeroom was silent, and the management asked me if something was wrong,” Snyman recalled. “I told them, ‘The crowd will lift the guys.’ And as soon as we sang the national anthem, it was a special moment for everyone. The energy from the crowd gave the players a massive boost, and we felt the entire country behind us.”

Building Momentum for the Season

The Blitzboks view this victory as more than just a home triumph—it’s a stepping stone for the rest of the season.

“We’re building towards something bigger,” Snyman explained. “Winning is great, but our ultimate goal is long-term success. We’re also focused on developing the next generation of players, and this weekend showed us that we have some exciting young talent coming through.”

Looking ahead, Snyman emphasized the importance of staying grounded.

“This victory gives us confidence and momentum, but the road ahead is long. We need to keep building, stay humble, and continue working hard,” he said.

The Blitzboks’ Cape Town victory is not just a moment of celebration but a signal of their potential to reclaim their status as one of the dominant forces in world rugby sevens. With the energy of a home win behind them and a promising mix of experience and emerging talent, the Blitzboks are well-positioned for the challenges that lie ahead in the season.