Bok Sevens without crocked stars
Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:54
The Springbok Sevens team has suffered a double injury blow ahead of their final two outings in the current International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series.
Seasoned Bok Sevens stalwarts Renfred Dazel and former captain Jonathan Mokuena have suffered ankle injuries and the duo will most likely miss the season-ending tournaments in London and Edinburgh next month, according to a media release.
Paul Treu, the Springbok Sevens coach, has called up Jandré Blom (Vodacom Cheetahs) as cover for the injured twosome. Blom last played for the Springbok Sevens team in the 2007 San Diego tournament and has already joined the squad at its training camp in Stellenbosch.
The squad will earn a deserved break over the coming long weekend (they break camp on Thursday) and will, upon return to training, play a series of warm-up matches next week against the Rugby Performance Centre based in the Riebeeck Valley.
Meanwhile, South Africa have been handed a tough draw for the Edinburgh Sevens at Murrayfield on May 31-1 June, the final event in the 2007/08 IRB World Seven Series. The Bok Sevens face Australia, Argentina and hosts, Scotland, on the first day.
Treu regards the draw as the toughest for the season and added that his team will have to be at its best if it wants to progress to the Cup quarterfinals.
"The Scots are always a tough ask on their home turf and we can expect a really good charge from them. Adding to that will be Australia and the Pumas, who sure to test our strength on the opening day.
"The recent injuries will test the character of the squad, but I am confident that the team will give a good account of itself in London and Edinburgh," said Treu.
Last week the team learnt that Mzwandile Stick will be out of action for four months after he underwent a shoulder operation.
South Africa will be looking to finish the IRB Sevens World Series strongly after becoming the first team to beat New Zealand this season - ending their record run of 47 matches unbeaten - in the Adelaide Sevens final earlier this month.
The confirmed Pools for Scotland:
Pool A:
New Zealand
England
Russia
Portugal
Pool B:
South Africa
Australia
Argentina
Scotland
Pool C:
Samoa
Wales
Canada
Spain
Pool D:
Fiji
Kenya
France
Moldova
