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Paul Treu believes that his young Springbok side finally have some momentum to build on having broken their duck and won some silverware at the USA Sevens in Las Vegas.

The defending IRB Sevens World Series champions haven’t had it all their way this season on and off the field, including three consecutive Plate final losses to Australia, England and Australia again in Wellington.

It may not have been the Cup, but a first victory in five matches this season against Fiji – including a loss in the pool stages on Day One – and a first Plate trophy in four attempts will certainly boost the Springboks attitude ahead of Adelaide.

“This was the fifth time we have played against Fiji and it has taken us four tournaments to put them away,” said the head coach.

“It was a massive team effort, and I am just glad that the youngsters at least can have a taste of what it is like to win some sort of trophy.

“It will give us confidence, going back to South Africa and before the last four tournaments. We can start building from our win against Fiji and look forward to our next tournament in Adelaide and keep building the momentum.”

Cecil Afrika was again one of the Springboks key men, scoring in every match in Vegas, including his sixth of the tournament and 13th overall in the final.

Frankie Horne made the half time score 12-0 and despite Joeli Lutumailagi crossing for the South Sea Islanders – who were themselves leapfrogged by their Pacific neighbours into second on the log – in the second half, the Boks dug deep to win the Plate.

“I think we are still far off as a team, there are still a lot of things we need to work on. But I am just pleased with the result, we really needed a win - especially against one of the big teams,” Treu told the IRB.

Before the tournament much was made about the Sam Boyd Stadium’s pitch in Las Vegas being shorter in width than others.

Treu had stated that his side may take a slightly different tactical direct approach due to the pitch width, which obviously worked, just one of many reasons he believes Las Vegas will become very popular on the Series.

“I really didn’t expect so many people, the crowd has been amazing. It is great so people make the effort to come and watch the Sevens. This tournament can grow into something big and add something unique and special to the series,” added Treu.

“I know the pitch is a problem, but so it is for all the teams, and I think it will bring a different dynamic to the Series.”