Highlights: HSBC SVNS Vancouver 2025

Argentina and New Zealand continue their reign at HSBC SVNS Vancouver

Celebrations were in full swing as the curtain came down on the tenth anniversary of HSBC SVNS Vancouver. Los Pumas and the Black Ferns Sevens stole the show, hoisting the trophy together for the third consecutive year.

Fans at BC Place were treated to two sizzling, closely contested men’s semi-finals. The first contest saw Argentina edge Spain in a tight game that saw only one match-winning try from Los Pumas Marcos Moneta in the ninth minute. Spain went down to six players and were unable to recover with the Argentinians booking their place in Sunday’s final.

South Africa claimed their place in the final with an exhilarating showdown against the flying Fijians featuring nonstop action from start to finish. Fiji appeared to have sealed the win with a monumental full-length team attack that was grounded by Jeremaia Matana. With a player down and the odds against them, a last-minute try from Selvyn Davids saw the Blitzboks snatch victory and secure their spot in the finale against Argentina.

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No strangers to a final, Argentina and South Africa kicked off proceedings in their final duel of the tournament with referee Tevita Rokovereni officiating his first final. Argentina started strong with Luciano Gonzalez scoring twice in quick succession and Tobias Wade flying in with the third.

The pendulum started to swing with the Blitzboks matching two of their own, but it was too little too late as the Argentinians were able to defend their line and scoop their second consecutive gold this Series and their fourth overall in Vancouver.

Men’s Highlights

The women’s semi-finals did not disappoint with a meeting for the history books with Japan encountering Fiji in their first-ever Cup semi-final. They were not able to go one step further on this occasion, but the Sakura Sevens put up a valiant performance against the unstoppable Fijians who secured four tries and their third Cup final place.

Familiar foes, the Black Ferns Sevens faced Australia once more with New Zealand taking the upper hand with a six-try bonanza that saw Stacey Waaka secure a hat trick and seal their place in their fourth consecutive final this Series and their 50th overall.

Women’s Highlights

The stage was then set for Fiji to face New Zealand in the grand finale, the first time both teams have encountered each other in a Cup final on the SVNS series. It was a tall order for Fiji to conquer New Zealand as they chased their first victory against the Black Ferns Sevens, a team that has never been defeated at BC Place.

The first try for the Olympic Champions came in the opening minute with Risi Pouri-Lane getting the first points on the board. A flurry of three further scores saw them lead 22-0 at half time. Fijiana were able to fight back with an eleventh-minute try from Sesenieli Donu, but New Zealand finished strong to take the win 41-7 and secure their 39th title.

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In wider proceedings, Spain men secured their second consecutive bronze win this Series following a 22-7 triumph over Fiji while Australia women grabbed the upper hand against Japan, ending their historic run with a 12-26 finish.

BC Place kept the party rocking all weekend and although they weren’t able to bring the title home, they did end the weekend on a high beating USA with the roar of the home crowd behind them.

HSBC SVNS Hong Kong pool draw took place at BC Place on Sunday straight after the Vancouver finals and ahead of the fifth round of HSBC SVNS 2025 on 28-30 March.

WOMEN’S POOL

Reigning Olympic Champions New Zealand were drawn in Pool A against Brazil, China, and USA.
Pool B will see Fiji up against France, Great Britain, and Ireland.
Australia to face Canada, Japan, and Spain in Pool D.

MEN’S POOL

HSBC Vancouver SVNS Winners Argentina were drawn against Fiji, Ireland, and USA in Pool A.
South Africa will encounter Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay in Pool B.
Pool C will see Spain meet France, Great Britain, and Kenya in Hong Kong.

HSBC SVNS 2025 features seven events across seven months in seven iconic global destinations. Six regular season rounds will be played in Dubai, Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Singapore to decide the HSBC SVNS League Winners, before the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles, which will see the top eight men’s and women’s teams compete at Dignity Health Sports Park, which will host the LA 2028 Olympic rugby sevens.

Following last year’s finals day sell-out in Hong Kong, fans are urged to secure their tickets early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available from svns.com