Blitzboks stand tallest in Hong Kong after ending decades of pain to leave coach 'speechless'
by KickOff Rugby · KickOffThe Springbok Sevens squad that won their very first HSBC Hong Kong Sevens tournament on Sunday in such a clinical and commanding fashion deserve all the applause and credit for doing so, but according to Blitzbok head coach Philip Snyman, they will not get ahead of themselves as their dream season is not over yet.
Snyman was part of a back-to-back world series-winning team and captained them as they won all over the world except for Hong Kong, so he understands the emotions of winning at the home of sevens for the first time, thanks to a commanding 35-7 victory over Argentina in the final at Kai Tak Sports Stadium.
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“I’m almost speechless,” Snyman said afterwards.
“There is a massive feeling of pride and gratitude at this moment. We waited so long for this, and I am happy we finally did it. I am also very happy for us as a group, not only those here tonight, but also those back home who worked just as hard to make it possible.”
Snyman said they will pause and reflect on what they managed to achieve: “We will just relax and enjoy and celebrate tonight. We know the job is not done, but 50 years was a long time to wait for this.”
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The Blitzbok coach also reflected on their recovery of form after they were outplayed in their second pool match on Friday and said the team had a serious chat on Friday evening after they delivered an underwhelming performance against Uruguay and Spain.
“We just reminded everyone who we are, what we represent and what we came to do,” he said.
“The book on Hong Kong 2026 might not have had six perfect chapters, but what a great ending to the story.”