SAO PAULO – Against all expectations, Brazil’s national sevens teams have secured coveted spots in the inaugural HSBC SVNS World Championship Series, culminating a dramatic weekend of rugby in São Paulo. The host nation, along with Belgium, Uruguay, and Argentina, defied the odds to earn promotion, setting the stage for a thrilling three-tournament series in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux. The improbable run by Brazil’s women, known as As Yaras, was particularly captivating, overcoming significant hurdles to claim the final qualification berth.
Heading into the HSBC SVNS 2 Series finale, Brazil’s chances of overtaking China and securing a place in the World Championship Series appeared slim. But a combination of determined play and favorable results propelled them forward, culminating in a winner-takes-all showdown against Kenya. The stakes were high: not only the tournament title but also a direct pathway to the elite competition. The pressure was palpable at Estadio Nicolau Alayon, but the home team rose to the occasion.
The men’s tournament saw a similar narrative of underdog success. Uruguay clinched their qualification spot with a hard-fought victory over Belgium early on day two. While Belgium’s hopes of a double promotion were dashed, they rebounded with a strong performance, ultimately claiming the São Paulo title thanks to a complex points tiebreaker involving Kenya. The tournament underscored the growing competitiveness of the HSBC SVNS series, with teams from across the globe vying for a place on the world stage.
The Brazilian women’s team, led by the dynamic duo of Thalia Costa and Yasmim Soares, delivered a stunning performance throughout the weekend. A dominant 38-7 victory over already-qualified Spain set the stage for their decisive match against Kenya. In that final contest, Brazil showcased their attacking prowess, with Camilla Carvalho scoring twice in the first half and Costa adding two more tries in the second, securing a 24-12 victory and sparking jubilant celebrations among the home crowd. They will now join Argentina, South Africa, and Spain in the World Championship Series, a testament to their dedication and skill.
A Change in Mentality Fuels Belgian Success
While Brazil celebrated qualification, Belgium’s men’s team also had reason to cheer. Despite missing out on direct qualification for the World Championship Series, their victory in São Paulo marked a significant achievement, particularly given their recent promotion from HSBC SVNS 3. Player of the tournament, Ryan Godsmark, attributed their success to a shift in mindset. “It started off real tough as it’s a totally different level, we weren’t used to it,” Godsmark told Rugbypass TV. “There was a lot of pressure that we put on ourselves as a group.”
Godsmark explained that the team consciously decided to embrace a more relaxed and enjoyable approach. “This week we just totally changed that. We’re fully amateur, we’re here to enjoy ourselves. A lot of us are taking time off perform just to be here, so we really made that an emphasis for us to have a good time, and that changes everything. We take pleasure when we play.” He hopes this newfound approach will serve as a launching pad for the team’s future development, highlighting the significant talent within the Belgian squad. The final HSBC SVNS 2 standings reflect this momentum.
Uruguay and Kenya Secure Their Spots
Uruguay’s path to qualification was equally impressive. Their opening victory over Belgium on day two proved crucial, securing their place in the World Championship Series alongside the USA, Germany, and Kenya. Kenya, meanwhile, capitalized on Uruguay’s momentum, securing the São Paulo title with a 26-14 win, a result made possible by their earlier 14-12 victory over the African nation on day one.
The tournament wasn’t without its challenges for other teams. Germany faced a difficult weekend, hampered by a depleted squad due to injuries, while the USA and Germany both struggled with player availability in their final matches. Despite these setbacks, the spirit of competition remained high, with teams demonstrating resilience and determination.
All Eyes Turn to Hong Kong
The HSBC SVNS World Championship Series is set to kick off in Hong Kong on April 17th, followed by events in Valladolid, Spain in May, and Bordeaux, France in June. The qualifying teams – USA, Germany, Kenya, and Uruguay for the men, and Argentina, Spain, South Africa, and Brazil for the women – will join the established core teams in a battle for supremacy. Tickets for the Hong Kong leg of the HSBC SVNS World Championship are currently available, as are tickets for the Valladolid and Bordeaux events: Valladolid and Bordeaux.
The success of Brazil and Uruguay in São Paulo underscores the growing global appeal of sevens rugby and the potential for emerging nations to compete at the highest level. As the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series approaches, all eyes will be on Hong Kong, where the world’s best teams will vie for the ultimate prize. The tournament promises to be a showcase of skill, athleticism, and the unwavering spirit of the sport.
The next major milestone will be the official team announcements for the Hong Kong leg of the World Championship Series, expected in early April. Stay tuned to HSBC SVNS official channels for further updates and details.
What did you think of the results in São Paulo? Share your thoughts and predictions for the World Championship Series in the comments below.
