"The depth of the squad and the way we handled the pressure... was incredible." – Isabella Nasser, Australia women's co-captain.
The HSBC SVNS World Championship Series concluded with electrifying final tournaments in Valladolid and Bordeaux, delivering title wins for Australia (men's and women's), France (men's), and South Africa (men's overall).
Men's Title in Valladolid: Australia Seizes Final Round
Australia's men's sevens team captured the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series title in Valladolid by defeating South Africa 26-19 in a thrilling final.
Match Summary:
- Early Storm: South Africa blasted out of the gate, with tries from Shilton van Wyk and Sebastiaan Jobb building a 14-0 lead within three minutes.
- Australian Response: Australia clawed back with tries from James Turner and Ethan McFarland, leveling the score by halftime.
- Second-Half Surge: Ben Dowling and Henry Hutchison scored to give Australia a commanding 10-point lead.
- Late Drama: South Africa's Gino Cupido scored a late try, but a forward pass prevented a potential equalizer.
- Star Performer: Henry Hutchison was named player of the final.
Semi-finals:
- Australia defeated Fiji 21-14. Henry Hutchison scored two tries; James Turner also crossed.
- South Africa beat Argentina 21-7, with tries by Sebastiaan Jobb, Ricardo Duartee, and Ryan Oosthuizen.
Third-place play-off: Argentina defeated Fiji 28-17, with Marcos Moneta and Luciano Gonzalez contributing.
Other standings:
- 5th: New Zealand beat Spain 22-12.
- 7th: France defeated Kenya 14-5.
- 9th: USA beat Germany 28-21.
- 11th: Uruguay beat Great Britain 19-17.
Key Implication: Australia, South Africa, and Argentina secured their places on the main HSBC SVNS Series for the following season. The final round was scheduled the following weekend in Bordeaux.
Season Finale in Bordeaux: France & Australia Shine
Women's Results:
Australia defeated New Zealand to win the Bordeaux HSBC SVNS tournament, securing both the event title and the overall world series championship. Canada defeated USA to claim third place.
Men's Results:
France defeated New Zealand 14-5 to win the Bordeaux title. Meanwhile, South Africa won the overall world series championship. Spain defeated South Africa to claim third place in the tournament.
Season Outcomes and Promotions
Women's Main Series:
- Promoted: Spain (replacing Great Britain).
- Main Series Teams for Next Season: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, France, Fiji, Japan, Spain.
Men's Main Series:
- Promoted: USA (replacing Great Britain).
- Main Series Teams for Next Season: South Africa, New Zealand, Spain, Australia, Argentina, Fiji, France, Kenya.
"We are in a rebuilding phase... but this shows we are on the right track." – Paulin Riva, France men's captain, on the team's progress toward the Olympic Games.