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Dazel blow for SA

Johannesburg - The Springbok Sevens team learned on Thursday that they will depart for Britain on Saturday without the services of the experienced Renfred Dazel.

Dazel will in all likelihood miss the final two tournaments of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series - in London (May 23-24) and Edinburgh (May 30-31). His unavailability is due to passport problems.

Paul Delport, who had been on stand-by, will take Dazel's place in South Africa's 12-man squad.

"It's a setback to lose Renfred, but Paul has been with us for a long time now and I know what he's capable of," said Paul Treu, coach of the Sevens Boks.

"We're holding thumbs that we can sort out Renfred's passport in time, but it's not looking good at the moment. He will join us if we can make the necessary arrangements."

Treu is very excited about the final two tournaments. South Africa can wrap up their first-ever IRB Sevens World Series title if they can get 13 league points from the tournaments in England and Scotland.

"We conclude our preparations here on Friday with the Captain's Run and we leave on Saturday. Things have gone well and I'm happy with the players' focus and intensity," said Treu.

"We haven't played since winning the tournament in Adelaide early in April, so I'll be looking to get a warm-up game or two in before the action starts in London next Saturday.

"I'm expecting a big onslaught from all the major teams, especially the home sides, and we'll be playing with a target on our backs as well, so it won't be easy. But we've managed the players well and we're confident."

After playing three-day tournaments in Dubai (Sevens World Cup), Hong Kong and Adelaide, the format for London reverts back to two days, something Treu feels could take some getting used to.

"We last played a two-day tournament in San Diego in February. It's something all the teams will have to get used to again."

Revised Springbok Sevens squad for London and Edinburgh:

Mpho Mbiyozo, Robert Ebersohn, Frankie Horne, Vuyo Zangqa, Philip Snyman, Kyle Brown, Paul Delport, Ryno Benjamin, Gio Aplon, Mzwandile Stick, Neil Powell, Chase Minnaar (all SA Rugby contracted players).

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