In a thrilling display of rugby sevens, New Zealand and South Africa have added the Perth gold to their HSBC SVNS collections. The Black Ferns Sevens claimed their third HSBC SVNS title of the season by defeating Australia in the showpiece match, while the Blitzboks secured their second title with a gritty win over Fiji.
New Zealand's dominance continued as they claimed the Perth title, adding it to their previous victories in Dubai and Singapore. The Black Ferns Sevens' victory over Australia was a hard-fought battle, with a final score of 29-7. Despite the lopsided score, the defending champions put up a valiant effort, but Kelsey Teneti's two tries either side of the break proved to be the turning point for New Zealand. Teneti, overcome with emotion, expressed the significance of the win, emphasizing the weight of their responsibility to represent their country and the importance of the victory.
The Black Ferns Sevens' captain, Risi Pouri-Lane, praised the team's resilience, highlighting their determination to persevere through challenges and a long tour. Stacey Waaka, another team member, shared the excitement of the win, attributing it to the team's unwavering dedication and the support of their family in the crowd.
In the men's tournament, South Africa emerged victorious in a grueling final against the Singapore champions, claiming their first Australian title in over a decade. The Blitzboks' early lead was almost overturned, but Ryan Oosthuizen's powerful performance secured their victory. Oosthuizen's crucial second touchdown was a testament to his determination and skill, as he muscled through defenders to score the decisive try.
South Africa's captain, Siviwe Soyizwapi, reflected on the team's hard work and the importance of stepping up in the absence of key players. He expressed pride in the team's growth and their ability to replicate their success in Cape Town.
Earlier in the day, Australia claimed third place in the first Trans-Tasman encounter of the finals, with Josh Turner's crucial try securing a fiery 12-10 win. The draw for the next leg of the HSBC SVNS Series in Vancouver was announced during the post-tournament celebrations in Perth, with New Zealand, France, Japan, and Great Britain in Pool A, and Australia, USA, Canada, and Fiji in Pool B.
