Strong Bok Sevens squad announced
Stefan Basson, Kabamba Floors, Danwel Demas and Gio Aplon will all make a welcome return to the Springbok Sevens team after they were named in the official 12-man squad for the London Sevens, which starts on Saturday at Twickenham.
Stefan Basson, Kabamba Floors, Danwel Demas and Gio Aplon will all make a welcome return to the Springbok Sevens team after they were named in the official 12-man squad for the London Sevens, which starts on Saturday at Twickenham.
Overseas club commitments and Super 14 duty meant that coach Paul Treu was unable to call on their services. Their availability means that Treu has now arguably his strongest squad of the season from which to choose from.
The inclusion of the four meant there was unfortunately no place in the final squad for former captain Jonathan Mokuena. The team will again be led by Neil Powell and also includdes the series' top try scorer Fabian Juries who has toucjed down 35 times, four more than Samoan Mikaele Pesamino.
“It was a very tough decision to leave out Jonathan,” said Treu.
“He is one of our most experienced players, but we needed extra cover at sweeper because Vuyo Zangqa is at best doubtful to play. Stefan provides extra cover and we are very lucky that all the other guys add so much more experience to the team.”
South Africa has a tough draw and will contest Pool B with hosts, England, France and Spain. Their opening match is against France and they will end the day with the big clash against England.
New Zealand are out to defend their Emirates Airline London Sevens title at Twickenham, and can close out their IRB Sevens World Series title defence should they secure seven Series points. Reaching the Cup semi-finals (12 points) or winning the Plate (8) would assure them of this target.
South Africa are currently in second place on the table. The team has appeared in the last three Cup Finals, with their title-winning performance in Adelaide bringing an end to New Zealand's record-breaking unbeaten run of 47 matches and seven consecutive tournament titles.
South Africa: Neil Powell (captain), Mpho Mbiyozo, Frankie Horne, Schalk van der Merwe, Kabamba Floors, Vuyo Zangqa, Stefan Basson, Fabian Juries, Gio Aplon, MJ Mentz, Norman Nelson, Danwel Demas.