VETERAN hooker Uli Schmidt and fiery winger James Small are expected to bolster South Africa's challenge at this year's Hong Kong Sevens.
Small, the crew-cut speedster, has been approached by Springbok skipper Andre Joubert to spearhead the attack of the outside bets for this year's Hong Kong title.
Joubert, whose team made their Hong Kong debut last year by reaching the quarter-finals, said South Africa will return to the territory more world-wise in sevens than last year.
''Both Small and Schmidt will be available this time,'' said Joubert. ''I think after last year, there is more interest in sevens in South Africa and we want to do well at the Hong Kong tournament.'' Schmidt, a doctor by profession, and Small made their mark during South Africa's three-Test tour of Australia last year - for both their class and temperament.
Schmidt even ignited the ire of normally mild-mannered Australian winger David Campese in one of the Tests.
Small, who played a significant role in South Africa's first-Test victory over the Wallabies, was sent off in the second Test for abusing referee Ed Morrison.