Paul Treu speaks ahead of Glasgow & London

Springbok Sevens mentor Paul Treu (pictured below) this week shared his views ahead of the final two tournaments of the 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series.

The Glasgow Sevens takes place at the Scotstoun Stadium this weekend (5-6 May 2012) with the final tournament of the Series at Twickenham the following weekend (12-13 May).

The last two tournaments of the HSBC Sevens World Series provide us with an opportunity to hopefully end an eventful season on a high note.

Last season we were able to finish the season in somewhat dramatic fashion by winning the two UK-based tournaments.

Looking back at the past seven tournaments, I must say it is disappointing that we could only manage to contest one Cup Final, in Port Eliza- beth, where we arguably played our best rugby of the campaign.

We have been badly hit by injuries for most part of the season, which of course made things very difficult for us. Cecil Afrika, for instance, is ruled out for the rest of the season because of a knee injury he suffered in Hong Kong while Paul Del- port is not travelling either because he also in- jured his knee in Japan.

Injuries are however part and parcel of the game and my philosophy has always been to accept it and move on to the next challenge.

So once again we were forced to make several changes for Glasgow and London. We are, how- ever, fortunate to welcome back some familiar faces. Steven Hunt missed last month’s trip to the Far East due to a family bereavement and is now back again.

Philip Burger, who last played for the Springbok Sevens in the 2006/7 season, re-joined us for the UK-trip. He slotted in well and I am looking for- ward to see him in action.

Okkie Kruger also got a recall having last played for the Bok Sevens at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. For the rest of the guys, we turned to the Varsity Cup, where we saw some great rugby displays.

Clayton Blommetjies (Tuks), Jamba Ulengo (Shimlas) and Ryan Nell (Maties) all starred for their varsity teams and they have already added some new energy to our squad. We mainly decided to involve Nell and Cheslin Kolbe (SA Sevens Academy) with an eye on the future, so they can gain experience from travelling and training with the squad.

We have trained well despite the many dis- ruptions and the guys are looking forward to what promises to be two very competitive tournaments in Scotland and England.

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