Watch: Blitzboks crowned kings in LA

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The Blitzboks saved their best for last to go unbeaten in the final tournament of the season and win the SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles.

In the final, the Blitzboks were determined on defence and clinical on attack in beating Spain 19-5 to win their second title of the 2025 season after raising the trophy in Cape Town in December 2024.

South African resisted Spain’s incisive attack, and even scored when down to six men following a late yellow card to Zander Reynders, with Selvyn Davids named Player of the Final.

Coach Philip Snyman praised the Blitzboks, saying that their willingness to keep working made the win possible.

Earlier, the Blitzboks kept their hot streak going following pool wins against France, Great Britain and Argentina, outscoring New Zealand by four tries to one and never giving the Kiwi side a look-in at all with a 26-5 win in their semi-final.

Shilton van Wyk opened the scoring in the first minute, pouncing on a loose pass from New Zealand after a lineout, kicking ahead and winning the race to the line. Ronald Brown converted for a 7-0 lead.

The second try by South Africa was more structured but still a thing of beauty. Selvyn Davids delayed his pass from a tap penalty and Nortje could race in to score under the sticks. Brown converted and the lead was 14-0 after four minutes of play.

The rampant Blitzboks scored a third try before the half-time buzzer when some crisp passing and hard running gave Van Wyk a second try in the opening seven minutes. Brown, whose pass freed up Van Wyk, converted from the sideline for a 21-0 lead.

The second half start was equally impressive. Brown’s spot-on cross-kick found Nortje in the corner for his second try, despite having his shirt ripped in two, to push the lead to 26-0.

New Zealand finally managed a play of note three minutes into the second half with a good move from within their half to score, but it was too little too late.

Photo: X/@SVNSSeries

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