Springbok coach Peter de Villiers visited the Springbok Sevens teams in Dubai today for a motivational talk and customary jersey presentation.

De Villiers did the same in November, when the SA team played and won the Dubai Sevens title for the second time in three years.

South Africa is chasing a unique double. The fifteens won the World Cup two years ago in France and Paul Treu’s team is amongst the tournament favourites for the Sevens world crown, a feat, if achieved, would be unique and unmatched in world rugby history.

“You are the best in your positions and the best South Africa has to offer. Our country is Sevens mad at the moment and that is because of your wonderful achievements in Dubai and George last year, and also the manner in which you represent your country every time you guys pull the national colours over your heads,” said De Villiers when he spurred the team on to deliver their best over the next few days.

De Villiers was accompanied by SARU CEO Johan Prinsloo and SARU vice-president Rautie Rautenbach.

A total of 24 men’s and 16 women’s squads will compete for the ultimate Sevens prizes in Dubai. The South African women’s team will be part of history making this weekend thanks to the inaugural Women’s World Cup Sevens, which runs alongside the men’s tournament from 5 – 7 March at the newly built The Sevens venue in Dubai.

Tomorrow the action kicks off at the Emirates’ purpose built sports venue with an Arabian Gulf Youth Tournament at 2.30pm, with the first men’s Rugby World Cup matches starting when Wales takes on Zimbabwe at 5pm. The opening ceremony follows at 7pm, before the international matches resume with England playing Hong Kong at 7.30pm.

The Springbok Sevens open their tournament in the last match of the day, against Japan in the main stadium arena at 8.38pm local time. On Friday at 12.50 the SA women will kick-off their tournament against Italy.

Source: sarugby.co.za