Overview
- South Africa beat defending champions Argentina 35-7 in Hong Kong on Sunday to claim their first title at the sport’s showpiece tournament.
- The Blitzboks reached the final by defeating New Zealand 26-14 in the semi-final after a Roderick Solo yellow card left the Kiwis down a man.
- Tristan Leyds scored the opening try and was named player of the final, while Selvyn Davids added two tries in a five-try performance.
- The result extends South Africa’s run to four straight tournament wins and puts them first in the World Championship standings on 20 points, with Valladolid and Bordeaux to come.
- In the women’s final, New Zealand beat Australia 19-14 to secure a fourth consecutive Hong Kong crown.