Impi Visser hails brilliant Blitzboks' composure following Cape Town title defence

Impi Visser hails brilliant Blitzboks' composure following Cape Town title defence

A total of 68,124 spectators - 36,183 on Saturday and 31,941 on Sunday - attended the event and apart from being treated to 267 tries over the weekend, saw the same two teams in action in the final from 10 years ago, the first time the tournament was hosted at DHL Stadium.

The Blitzboks beat Argentina by 21-19 in a pulsating final, becoming the first men's team to successfully defend the title in Cape Town. Afterwards, Visser said the team had a motto for the weekend, especially for the final, and that was "to stay in the moment".

"We managed to do that and when the big moments came, we were ready for it and could handle it - that was the difference today, I believe," said Visser.

The Blitzbok captain said the win in the second round of the HSBC SVNS season completed their comeback from Dubai last weekend, where they finished fifth, and added that they have now redeemed themselves with this victory.

"We wanted to come back and rectify things as we did not do justice to the jersey last weekend," said Visser.

"This weekend, playing very tough opponents and beating all of them, proved that we believe in the jersey and what it stands for.

"Credit to every player who was involved, but also to those in the extended group, who helped us prepare for these last two weekends. They deserve the accolades just as much as we do.

Visser also praised the vociferous Cape Town crowd: "They were instrumental in this win, they brought energy and picked us up every time we made a mistake.

"Someone like Christie Grobbelaar, an experienced player in our squad could win here for the first time, while debutant Nabo Sokoyi also contributed tremendously in the final. It was a good day to be a Blitzbok."

South Africa, New Zealand and Fiji are now jointly tied first on the log with 32 points after two tournaments, followed by France in fourth on 28, Australia on 26 and Argentina on 24.

Related News

Undefeated Blitzboks win thrilling final to defend Cape Town Sevens title

Undefeated Blitzboks win thrilling final to defend Cape Town Sevens title

  • 2 days ago

The Springbok Sevens side went undefeated in their defence of the Cape Town Sevens title, beating Argentina in a nail-biting final on Sunday.

Shilton van Wyk double sends Blitzboks into Cape Town Sevens final

Shilton van Wyk double sends Blitzboks into Cape Town Sevens final

  • 2 days ago

The Springbok Sevens side is one match away from defending their Cape Town Sevens title after defeating France in the semifinals on Sunday.

Blitzboks sail into semifinals after perfect opening day at Cape Town SVNS

Blitzboks sail into semifinals after perfect opening day at Cape Town SVNS

  • 3 days ago

The Springbok Sevens set up a semi-final against France at the Cape Town SVNS on Sunday after topping their pool with three wins on Saturday.

Blitzboks seal last-gasp victory over Fiji in thrilling Cape Town opener

Blitzboks seal last-gasp victory over Fiji in thrilling Cape Town opener

  • 3 days ago

A hat-trick from Shilton van Wyk helped the Springbok Sevens kick off their HSBC SVNS Cape Town campaign with a thrilling 24-21 triumph against Fiji at DHL Stadium on Saturday.