NZ Double At HSBC Singapore SVNS 2024 – Argentina Men & NZ Women Win League Titles

An enthralling final day at the HSBC Singapore SVNS 2024 saw New Zealand go back-to-back following their double win in the last leg in Hong Kong. 

The Argentina men did enough to win a historic first SVNS League title, and the NZ Black Ferns continued their powerhouse run with another Michaela Blyde final hat trick against rivals Australia to win the women’s League title.

For the title in Singapore, the New Zealand men edged Ireland 17-14 in the final, with the Irish already knowing Argentina had picked up the League title win earlier in the day when they came from behind to beat SA in the 6th place match, securing enough points on a historic day.

This was the third time this season the Irish were runners-up but they remain one of the main contenders for Madrid and Paris 2024.

That Argentine win saw a wave of emotions come over the South American players and staff as they celebrated on the field led by long-standing member Gastón Revol, saying; “It’s been such a long time. So many moments, good and bad. The journey was really difficult. We kept on trying, kept on training, kept on believing in this team and I think we have the prize that we deserve.”

He added, “It’s incredible to be here at this moment. Here and in every other tournament at my age, I’m 37 years old and I’m still here with these guys, these great players.”

Player-turned-coach Santiago Gómez Cora told us after his team won the League title; “Dreams come true. We focussed on the person, then the group, then the team – thats how we started this journey many years ago. We found a good person, developed the group and then have a team and have a dream – if you have a dream – you can fight very hard every day to achieve it, and we have done that today.”

Photo Credit: World Rugby / Mike Lee -Argentina Men – HSBC Singapore SVNS 2024

The NZ and Australian women both reached the final in a winner-takes-all game for the Singapore SVNS and League title, but NZ was far too strong at the end winning 31-21 – their fourth tournament win on the bounce, and a third tournament in which Blyde scored a trio of tries.

She said, “It means a lot! The beginning of the season was a little bit rocky for us, so we didn’t want to think too far ahead for this tournament but Singapore has just brought incredible vibes and to come away with the Singapore title and the league winners is really special.

We’ve just been taking it game by game, we wanted to make sure that we treated every game like it was our last and I think we did do that. There were some times when we were inconsistent and challenged but we were able to turn that around and gain the momentum back and to gain the six wins here. To sum it up, I’m really proud.”

Photo Credit: World Rugby / Mike Lee – HSBC Singapore SVNS 2024 – Leg Winners NZ

France women beat Fiji for the bronze medal in Singapore to confirm third in the standings on the women’s side.

In the other major subplot of the day, the final men’s Grand Final spot was eventually won by Great Britain after a 26-5 victory over Australia in the bronze medal match, which followed the USA beating France 19-17 in the seventh-place play-off. USA will now fight to stay in the SVNS Series in Madrid while GB will play for the Grand Final.

Great Britain men’s captain Robbie Fergusson said: “We’ve given ourselves a one-shot chance in Madrid and then we can press on and then it puts us in a good place for the Olympic qualifier in Monaco. There’s the total belief between the 18 boys, the ones that are at home and couldn’t make this trip that are injured that are ready to come back in for the next one, and the boys that have slogged it out here for the last six games. It’s tough going on the body but these moments make it all worthwhile.”

US star Perry Baker has previously indicated he will hang up his boots after the Olympics this year, but he scored twice in the final game against France.

He told Rugby Asia 247 about playing in front of these crowds, “It means so much to me. I remember as a kit idolising someone and being inspired and having dreams to meet them. It’s amazing to play this game, it’s a blessing and we should enjoy it, that’s what I told our players before in the tunnel.

I know its been a tough weekend and I feel like I let so many people down in such a big way and it was hard to say enjoy the moment but you cant take this for granted – and having this fanbase here – I am grateful for it.”

Asked if this was the last time we would see him in Singapore and on the other Asian SVNS legs, Baker said, “Of course you will see me back!”

Sakura 7s Do Themselves Proud In Singapore

The Japan women were excellent in Singapore, but the two narrow losses to Fiji in the Quarterfinal which denied them a first semifinal appearance, and the tightly contested loss to Ireland on Sunday in the 5th place playoff should give them plenty of confidence heading into Madrid and the Olympics.

They did record a first-ever win over the USA and again beat SA.

Experienced Japanese Women’s 7s player Chiharu Nakamura told us after the 17-19 loss to Ireland; “This tournament has been a great experience for us as we nearly broke through to reach the semifinal. Little differences were all it was and we understand those small margins. The crowd really empowered us as we are small physically but we want to prove small players have a big heart and soul.”

All of the results from the Singapore SVNS can be seen here.

HSBC Singapore SVNS News 2024

• Final Day Of HSBC Singapore SVNS Will Decide 2024 League Titles.
• Selvyn Davids – Blitzboks Striving For Consistency.
• Australia And New Zealand Women’s 7s Vying For The 2024 HSBC SVNS League Title In Singapore.
• Sam Pinder – SVNS Is A Fantastic Vehicle For Being Able To Grow The Sport Of Rugby