This is usually one of the most vibey stops of the year with local fans already in full Christmas mode. The big question is whether the Blitzboks can give their home crowd something to celebrate or if another side will play the Grinch and spoil the early festive mood. Darry Worthington breaks it all down below.
Cape Town SVNS | Saturday 6 December to Sunday 7 December | DHL Stadium
Pool A: South Africa New Zealand Fiji Great Britain
Pool B: Australia Argentina France Spain
To Win the Tournament
New Zealand | Fiji | South Africa | Australia | France
Favourites
New Zealand
2024/25 Cape Town Finish: Sixth
New Zealand sent a strong message in Dubai with a polished display that saw them open their season with a title. They built momentum as the weekend unfolded starting with narrow pool wins over Great Britain and Australia. They then beat Spain 7-24 in their final pool game before edging Fiji 24-21 in the semi final and Australia 22-26 in the decider.
A major positive was how well their new players adapted with several young talents standing out. Late bloomer Jayden Keelan was superb in Dubai and will be one to watch in Cape Town.
The Kiwis have a solid record in South Africa with wins in 2017 and 2019 and a runners up finish in 2022.
Fiji
2024/25 Cape Town Finish: Third
Fiji could not add another Dubai crown to their impressive list as they fell to New Zealand in the semi finals. Before that they had looked strong beating South Africa and Argentina in the pool stage. They wrapped up third spot with a 7-24 win over France in the playoff.
A few rookies shone for the islanders but there are still concerns. They conceded soft tries through lapses in concentration and their once fearsome aerial kick off game lacks its old bite.
Their Cape Town record is slim with their only victory coming in 2018.
South Africa
2024/25 Cape Town Finish: Winners
The Blitzboks aim to bounce back from a frustrating showing in Dubai by securing back to back home wins. Although they were drawn in a tough pool many expected more from a settled and experienced group.
Losses to Fiji and Argentina cost them a semi final spot but they recovered some pride by beating Great Britain and Spain to finish fifth.
Now returning to Cape Town they will look to feed off the energy of their passionate supporters just as they did in 2024 when they broke a six-season drought at home. Ricardo Duarante one of the stars of last year’s run will again be central to their hopes.
Dark Horse
Argentina
It almost feels unfair to label the reigning league champions as dark horses but after a rough weekend in Dubai that is where they land. Losses to France and Fiji denied them a semifinal place and another defeat to Spain meant a seventh-place finish. Their 7-59 pool loss to France in particular will concern the coaching staff.
They will take comfort from last year’s Cape Town win though where they hammered Australia 45-12 in the final.
Verdict: South Africa
The Blitzboks face a brutal pool but they should rise to the occasion at home and edge either Fiji or New Zealand to make the semi finals. Once they are through the path opens up and they look well placed to claim another win in front of their faithful.