National Sevens coach Paul Treu gave this assurance on the eve of the fourth tournament in the 2008/09 IRB Sevens World Series that starts in San Diego on Saturday and where the Boks seem destined to meet their Wellington victors, Kenya, in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
“Gio Aplon and Philip Snyman are both fit after their injuries sustained in Wellington last weekend,” he said, adding the few players who had colds this week will also be fit.
And newcomer Lionel Mapoe, who replaces captain Mzwandile Stick, has slotted in well, Treu added saying he was confident about success.
“Losing Stick was a tremendous setback,” he admitted from San Diego on Thursday.
“His four years experience and his class are not easily replaced.
“But we have to go forward with the guys that are left and they are good. They are now forced to think and sum up situations for themselves and if they stick to our structures we’ll do well,” Treu added.
His main concern in the Wellington tournament, where the Boks won the Plate after they were first shocked by Kenya (22-17) after a 17-5 halftime lead and then eliminated from the Cup competition by New Zealand (7-0), was that they ‘did not finish the job” when in control.
Treu admits the speed was lacking after Aplon’s injury – he had a stiff neck and was rested more as a precaution – but points out that defence is really the Springboks’ greatest strength.
“We again had the best record for the number of tackles in Wellington,” he says.
“Our problem – and that also goes for attack – is we slip up at the crucial moments when it really hurts.”
South Africa play their first match in San Diego against giant-killers United States, who beat Fiji in the first round last weekend and made the quarter-finals of that tournament where they lost to Argentina.
The Boks are next up against Canada and finish their first day against Australia.
What initially looked like an easy pool when the draw was first made, is now another trio of tough hurdles following the way in which the so-called lesser sides upset some of the top seeds.
South Africa are nevertheless expected to finish on top of Pool A, and their most likely opponents in the quarters will be Kenya who must be oozing with confidence after their Wellington win over the Boks.
* The Springboks, after their wins in the first two tournaments in Dubai and George, lead the overall standings with 48 points – four ahead of New Zealand and England who are tied on 44. -
doubt we’re going to pull this off without Stokololo…
Need some more Frankie Hornes… too many orks…
@bryce_in_oz (Comment 2) :
Size isn’t everything bryce… just ask Claytie.
His missus is always telling him that!!!
@bryce_in_oz (Comment 2) : you’re a size queen…
@robdylan (Comment 1) :
He does not leave such a big gap…
We just need True to work on the teams speed…everyone was beating us on the outside…even those oversize Wales players (beating Mpho/Vuyo/Robin/Renfred)…that was real disappointing…think Snyman and Geo will bring some pace into the game…which will help just closing a gap or getting through and oppo one…and be the dif in a win or lose…
@bryce_in_oz (Comment 2) :
I’d rather say we need pace….
did anyone see that shit that ebherson just pulled
@PJLD(Sharks supporters are all fairweather bandwagon jumpers) (Comment 7) :
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i could understand if he rolled on his shoulder but to throw himslef over on his back like that????????????????
USA knock on INgoal.
SA 10 – 0 USA
5min to go
USA TRY!!!!!!
converted
SA 10 – 7 USA
3min 45sec to go
USA TRY!!!!!!!
converted
SA 10 – 14 USA
2min 30sec to go
ok we are kakking against the states.
SA TRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@KSA Shark © (Comment 8) : much madness.Noble try!
conversion missed
SA 15 – 14 USA
0min 23sec to go
hooter goes,thats the game.yellow for states.
two players yellow carded AFTER the hooter.
What a fool?
Full Time
SA 15 – 14 USA
@PJLD(Sharks supporters are all fairweather bandwagon jumpers) (Comment 18) :
That was just a ref trying to say “I am in charge”.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 20) :Not as bad as last weeks final
OK WTH. Can someone tell me how the Yanks ran us so close??
@klempie (Comment 22) : Dont know dude, but it was a trip
kenya beat nz!
@provincejoulekkading (Comment 24) :
And Uruguay beat Kenya!!!!!!!!!
Some serious upsets in this tourny
SA rugby needs to keep an eye on Kenya. Together with Nam & Zim they can be like the SA pacific islands.