We dealt with every situation, says Visser as triumphant Blitzboks edge Argentina Cape Town Sevens

There was an eruption of joy at a packed Cape Town Stadium on Sunday evening after the Blitzboks came from behind to beat Argentina 21-19 to win the Cape Town Sevens.

It was the first time a team had won the Cape Town event back-to-back, and there was an overflow of emotion as the South Africans triumphed before a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds and crazy outfits.

Victory was especially sweet after the Blitzboks found themselves lagging behind the South Americans with only a few minutes to go. The Blitzboks rallied, however, scoring two late tries to inch over the line.

Ultimately, it was Christie Grobbelaar’s try that secured victory, thanks to a brilliant turnover by Shilton van Wyk.

After the final, a delighted Van Wyk said: “It was all about rewarding our loyal and crazy support.

"We felt the energy from all those fans in the stadium. As a team, we committed to giving our all for every minute of every game, and we agreed to deal with whatever situation came up.”

Blitzboks captain Impi Visser said his initial emotion was one of relief after the team managed to win the significant moments in the match.

“We managed to do that and when the big moments came, we were ready for it and could handle it – that was the difference today, I believe,” said Visser.

The Blitzboks’ became the first team to win consecutive titles in Cape Town, after winning it last season; and, moreover, it was a welcome triumph after an underwhelming start to the series last weekend in Dubai.

“We wanted to come back and rectify things, as we did not do justice to the jersey last weekend,” said Visser.

“This weekend, playing very tough opponents and beating all of them, proved that we believe in the jersey and what it stands for. Credit to every player who was involved, but also to those in the extended group who helped us prepare for these last two weekends. They deserve the accolades just as much as we do.”

Argentina have been one of the most consistent teams on the Sevens circuit for several years, but they remained underdogs given the electric atmosphere generated by a crowd of 50,000. And that noise was silenced a minute into the game when the powerfully built wing Luciano González beat two defenders to score in the corner. The conversion was nailed from the touchline for a 7-0 lead.

The Blitzboks managed to strike back through Donavan Don, who screamed down the openside touchline for a vital reply. Unfortunately for the South Africans, they could not deal with the subsequent restart, with González fielding the ball and breaking out for 50m before unloading to try-scoring machine Marcos Moneta.

At half-time, Argentina led 14-7, and it became 19-7 thanks to a magnificent try by Moneta after the restart.

The South Africans were right back in it when newcomer Nabo Sokoyi, who had just come on as a shrewd substitute by coach Philip Snyman, scored a sensational solo try to reduce the score to 19-14.

Time was running out and the Blitzboks needed heroes … It came in the form of Van Wyk, who won a telling turnover.

The ball was shifted out to Grobbelaar, who scorched down the touchline to score under the crossbar to level the scores. The conversion was true and the Blitzboks heaved the ball into the stands at the restart for a famous win.

“It has been an incredible weekend for us,” coach Philip Snyman gushed, after the final whistle.

“I am so proud of the boys. It took a huge effort, a lot of heart and attitude to win this tournament, but that is what we stand for.”

In the women’s final, meanwhile, Australia beat their New Zealand counterparts 26-12 to go level on points — after two tournaments — in the series standings on 38 points, respectively.

The Blitzboks, meanwhile, jumped to the top of their standings, also level on points with Fiji and New Zealand (all on 32 points).

The next tournament is in Singapore at the end of January.