Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - After a late charge in the second half of the season, Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu hopes his young squad can continue their fine form in the final stages of the World Sevens Series.
Treu said they had earmarked the 2010/11 season as a rebuilding phase for the national squad, and was pleased they were holding their own heading into the penultimate leg in London this weekend.
"One of our main objectives this season was to give as much playing opportunities as possible to the newcomers in the squad," Treu said on his website.
"I'm pleased to say that we achieved that."
The Blitzbokke, the global champions two years ago, started slowly this season.
They won the plate finals in Dubai and George before losing out to Fiji in the plate final in Wellington.
They bounced back, however, to lift the cup at the US leg in Las Vegas in February.
In Hong Kong they won the plate again, and in Adelaide in April they reached the cup final where they went down to series favourites New Zealand.
"We played some good sevens rugby during our last three tournaments," Treu said.
"The team will be looking to maintain that form, and to end the season on a positive note."
South Africa, who have no chance of winning the series, are fourth in the standings with 92 points.
New Zealand, in search of their ninth title, top the log with 134 points, followed by England and Samoa.
Fiji, who lifted the world title for the only time five years ago, are two points behind South Africa in fifth place.
The Blitzbokke will face Fiji, Russia and Portugal in Pool C at Twickenham on Saturday.
