The race for the IRB Sevens crown is over, says South Africa coach Paul Treu, who believes it is up to runaway leaders New Zealand to lose the title as the action heats up this weekend.
'The title race doesn't depend on us doing well. It depends on New Zealand doing badly and I just can't see them slipping up,' said Treu. 'But we will be giving it our best shot. We have never won here.'
South Africa are the closest challengers to the all-conquering New Zealanders, who have won all four legs of the IRB Sevens this season. They trail by a massive 32 points.
'If you look at the results over the past few years, to win the title you need to win a minimum of four tournaments. New Zealand have already done that and they will need to play very badly to lose it from here,' Treu said. 'They have been able to field the same squad and this has paid off.'
South Africa reached the Cup semi-finals in Dubai and at their home event in George, won the Plate final in Wellington and lost to New Zealand in the Cup final in San Diego. They are drawn with Argentina, Russia and Japan in pool C this weekend.
