SA's George Sevens draw
Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:26
The South African team faces a tough opening day in the second round of the 2008/09 International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series in George on December 5 and 6.
The new series gets underway in Dubai a week earlier before stopping off at the Outeniqua Park Stadium for the 10th Anniversary of the South African Rugby Sevens.
Having finished second to the New Zealand side in last years series the Sprigboks are hopeful of going that one step further this time around.
In the home teams pool this year are Australia, the USA and European minnows Georgia. The Wallabies, now under new coach Michael Brown, look set to provide a real test for Paul Treu and his men on day one.
Expectations though will still no doubt be very high for the home side in front of their loyal fans.
The Kiwi side also find themselves with a tricky group, with both unpredictable Europe sides, England and France to contend with.
IRB Tournaments Director Beth Coalter says he is already very excited for the second leg of the competition which he believes will also now be able to act as the perfect opportunity for the teams to start preparing themselves for the World Cup just a few months down the line.
"The George field this year is sure to be hyper-competitive as the sides hone in on the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai next March,"
"All twelve core teams are capable of beating each other and the two African sides yet to be named will no doubt be battle-hardened and Sevens sharp after their World Cup qualifiers in Tunisia.
"George is always an interesting Tournament as the team who won the weekend before in Dubai is keen to establish a strong start to the new Series ahead of New Zealand and San Diego in February. The World Cup will just increase that desire for momentum," added Coalter.
Pool A: New Zealand, England, France, Portugal
Pool B: South Africa, Australia, USA, Geogia
Pool C: FIji, Argentina, Scotland, CAR2
Pool D: Samoa, Kenya, Wales, CAR3
Day 1, -Friday, 5 December 2008
Match 1: Fiji v Scotland 11:37
Match 2: Argentina v CAR2 11:59
Match 3: Samoa v Wales 12:21
Match 4: Kenya v CAR3 12:43
Match 5: New Zealand v France 13:05
Match 6: England v Portugal 13:27
Match 7: South Africa v USA 13:49
Match 8: Australia v Georgia 14:11
Match 9: Fiji v CAR2 14:43
Match 10: Argentina v Scotland 15:05
Match 11: Samoa v CAR3 15:27
Match 12: Kenya v Wales 15:49
Match 13: New Zealand v Portugal 16:11
Match 14: England v France 16:33
Match 15: South Africa v Georgia 16:55
Match 16: Australia v USA 17:17
Match 17: Scotland v
CAR2 17:49
Match 18: Wales v CAR3 18:11
Match 19: France v Portugal 18:33
Match 20: USA v Georgia 18:55
Match 21: Fiji v Argentina 19:32
Match 22: Samoa v Kenya 19:54
Match 23; New Zealand v England 20:16
Match 24: South Africa v Australia 20:38
