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Boks close in on World Sevens Series glory

Thursday 14 May 2009 (IRB)

Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu has warned his team against complacency ahead of the penultimate leg of the IRB World Series Sevens starting next weekend at London Twickenham (23rd/24th of May).

Treu’s men require just 13 points in the last two tournaments in London and Scotland to secure the overall title, meaning they could be crowned champions by simply advancing to the final in London with a leg still remaining at the Edinburgh Sevens (30th/31st) a week later. Despite this comforting thought, Treu has set high standards for his team in the last two tournaments.

"The first day of the London tournament is crucial," said coach Treu. "If we’re not 100 per cent focused on the task at hand we can make life very difficult for ourselves.

“We have to learn from our mistakes, as well as those of other teams who have stumbled over the last hurdle. That is why we’re going over to Britain with the aim of getting 40 points, not just the 13 we need to win the series.”

Following their latest win in Adelaide, The Springboks are perched at the top of the log standings with 104 points, with England and Fiji their closest rivals on 76 and 74 points respectively. For the first time in their history they could clinch the title before the final leg.

The Boks will certainly be boosted by the return from injury of Philip Snyman and flyer Gio Aplon with Mzwandile Stick will again lead the squad.

They have been grouped with Australia, Wales and Germany for the London series and will go up against New Zealand, France and the USA in the Scotland leg.

“It’s been a tough season. In winning three tournaments, we had to overcome very strong teams such as Fiji, England, New Zealand and a resurgent Kenya. Psychologically it’s been one of our toughest seasons to date. We’ve never been in this situation - going into the final two tournaments with an opportunity to clinch the series,” added Treu.

The coach was particularly excited about enjoying the luxury of continuity in selection going into the last two legs after being forced to chop and change his squad in the past few years because of Springbok and Super 14 call-ups.

“We’re fortunate that we’ve used only 17 players this season. That says a lot about how they’ve been managed. However, a strong and settled squad won’t win tournaments, so everyone has to be at their best and committed to the task.”

South Africa Squad for London and Edinburgh Sevens: Mpho Mbiyozo, Robert Ebersohn, Frankie Horne, Vuyo Zangqa, Philip Snyman, Kyle Brown, Renfred Dazel, Ryno Benjamin, Gio Aplon, Mzwandile Stick, Neil Powell, Chase Minnaar (all SA Rugby contracted players).

UR7s will be providing news, further interviews and a Live Text Commentary of the Emirates Airline London Sevens which kicks off on the 23/24th of May.

Click here for London 7s tickets

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s2T6h3 Yeah I read and I understand that I do not understand anything what it is about:D
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