In his latest column for irbsevens.com, South Africa head coach Paul Treu looks back to some of his memories from Hong Kong and talks about why he believes it to be the best Sevens tournament in the world…

There is no doubt. For me, Hong Kong is always going to be the biggest tournament in the world.

Obviously Dubai and Wellington are right up there but Hong Kong will always be regarded as, not the birth place because Scotland is the birth place of Sevens, but as the one tournament that everyone wants to play in and in my mind it is always going to stay there.

It is of course special for me now because I have been to Hong Kong so many times as a player and as a coach.

As a player the first memory I have is in my first tournament. I remember being unable to run, I was so nervous and I just couldn’t cope with the pressure.

But now in my seventh year as a coach, it is a bit different. It is difficult because with some of our new players like Paul Jordaan and Tshotsho Mbovane, I know it is the same feeling that they are going to feel when they run onto the park.

Vibrant Hong Kong

That makes me have a different kind of focus now. In my playing career, at that point in time you are just hoping you can make it as a player and the team do well.

Now you have to manage that team and the individual players too and there is a pressure to perform now that everyone is putting so much more energy, time and money into Sevens.

But for me as a player, and as a coach, what makes Hong Kong number one is the crowd, the vibe, the stadium and the city itself, which is just so vibrant.

Staying in the hotel with one of the most impressive skylines, it is one of the most impressive images you get. And for these young guys to experience it all, the atmosphere, the stadium and one of the best cities in the world, it is something to play for and something they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

It is also the only tournament where you can sing your national anthem if you make the final. We have experienced that three times now, twice for me as a coach and once as a player.

That gives players something else to play for, to sing the national anthem you would like to stand there and feel that with your teammates and that is something we would like to give the players this year as well.

Legends are born

So many players have made their names here in Hong Kong. It is difficult to name a best player that I have played against because even at the time there were so many good players. Eric Rush, Karl Tenana and even Waisele Serevi, but there were many more quality quality players.

For me the New Zealand team have always been the standout players, however, especially the team in 2000/01 with Rush, Tenana, and Dallas Seymore. But over the years you get so many players that play in Hong Kong who become legends of the game.

I can think back to two years ago too when we had Mzwandile Stick, who went on to become one of the stars on the Series, and he made his name and started his career here.

Just think, Jonah Lomu started here, Christian Cullen started here, it is really a place where a player can launch his career and for the youngsters now, like Paul Jordaan and Tshotsho Mbovane this will be another opportunity to do that this year.

I am sure we will also see players from the other countries using this tournament as a stepping stone too.

On the train into Hong Kong Island for Day 2 of the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens, I saw some “pelicans” the “Power Rangers,” “Kiss” (the band).

While I can’t say if they were South Africans dressed up, there are plenty of Green & Gold jersey around the stadium.

Other the Springbok Fans in Boerewors Bend, there are lots of Bok jerseys behind me in the Media Box (Western Stand).

I’m going to venture into the infamous South Stand in a while, but here are some images of the Saffas I’ve taken so far:

I have attended and participated in a fair share of ‘side-line’ activities ahead of several Hong Kong Sevens tournaments.

However, this week I was part of a truly special event ahead of the 2011 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens.

On Wednesday I was fortunate to be at King’s Park where 10 boys from the Soweto Schools Rugby Programme had a meet-and-greet with the Springbok Sevens team.  The youngsters traveled to Hong Kong with Chairman of the Laureus Foundation South Africa, Morne Du Plessis who was here as a guest of the Southern African Association in Hong Kong (SAAHK).

Of course there were a lot of cameras in attendance but even I was inspired (and somewhat emotional) listening to Morne interact with the boys while the BlitzBokke were going through their training paces on the pitch.

Sevens skipper Kyle Brown also made the boys’ day when he gave a impromptu chat when the two side eventually got together.

Brown said: “The theme of this team is ‘touching people through rugby’ and there a lot of synergies btween that and the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. It is very inspiring for us to meet these young people. Being where we are doesn’t come easy, you have to work hard and keep fit and focused in order to suceed. We are so pleased that the Soweto kids are here in Hong Kong to support us, I hope we do them proud in the tournament.”

He also shared a signed Springbok Sevens jersey with the Soweto kids and in return was rewarded with a signed Laureus jersey.

Another highlight was when the boys performed their “Soweto Haka” with the BlitzBokke, arm-in-arm, facing the ‘challenge.’

Goosebumps stuff.

The Soweto tour party will be guests at the Hong Kong Stadium today where the Hong Kong Sevens kicks off.

Here are some more images from the meet-and-greet:

Earlier today (Monday 14 February 2011) the South African Sevens team made history when they won their first USA Sevens Cup title in Las Vegas.

It was also the first-ever Cup win under the leadership of their inspirational skipper, Kyle Brown.

Needless to say, our sister-website BlitzBokke.com had it’s ear (and all it’s online resources) to the ground from Hong Kong nogal and thoroughly covered the BlitzBokke’s epic Vegas triumph.

The draw for the 2011 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens takes place later this week and Howzit-HongKong.com will bring you the latest from The Rotunda in Central.

With the Springboks’ US win, the men in Green & Gold have signalled their intention to try and repeat the feat here in the SAR, where they have managed only one inscription on a Hong Kong trophy since 1976, a Plate victory in 2002.

More about the Hong Kong Sevens will follow in the next few weeks as we build up to the world’s finest Sevens tournament.

Catch all the details about the Springboks’ USA Sevens victory on BlitzBokke.com here

Bruce Fowler from the South African Association in Hong Kong (SAAHK) mailed to say that the very first Imbizo (get-together) of the Association will be held at The Canny Man in Wan Chai.

He writes:

The Canny Man is in the basement of the Wharney Guang Dong Hotel, 51 – 73 Lockhart Road Wanchai, from 6:30 pm onwards on Wednesday, 16th February.

Please make every effort to join us for this first Imbizo of 2011 and we particularly welcome all newcomers to Hong Kong and to SAAHK.

The Canny Man’s full-size pool table (Pic: Mike Jansen)

You can also use the occasion to speak to Bruce about this year’s Sevens Dinner, where Springbok legend Morne Du Plessis will be the guest-speaker.

See you there…

Kevin McBarron from The Canny Man says:

Tell the taxi driver: ‘Whamy ji ding, lockhart doh, wanzai!’

Here’s Kevin making his YouTube debut:

(Source: Blitzbokke.com)

No sooner had the 2009/2010 season ended, then the International Rugby Board (IRB) released the dates for the 2010/2011 Sevens World Series season.

Despite attempts from other cities to lure the SA leg to their corner of the Republic, the IRB has confirmed that the beautiful city of George will once again host the Emirates Airline SA Sevens tournament for the ninth time on 10 – 11 December at Outeniqua Park.

According to the new IRB Sevens World Series calendar for 2010/11, the World Series will visit five continents over a busy six month period. The 12th season of the popular World Series kicks off on 3-4 December in Dubai, followed by the South African event at George a week later and it will reach a climax at Edinburgh in Scotland on 28-29 May 2011.

The one change from the 2009/10 schedule is that Australia’s tournament in Adelaide reverts back to the weekend after the Hong Kong Sevens.

The two previous Series campaigns were both decided on the last day of the eight tournament showpiece, with the Springbok Sevens lifting the title for the first time in 2009 and Samoa doing the same just a few days ago at Murrayfield, after they beat England in a dramatic semi-final clash which included two periods of extra-time.

Delhi 2010

In announcing the new World Series schedule, the IRB also confirmed the competition dates for Sevens at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in India. The Sevens rugby competition will take place over two days on 11-12 October in Delhi.

Steven Roos, Tournament Director of the Emirates Airline SA Sevens, said the thrills of the past Series have already sparked a lot of interest in the George event.

“The Emirates Airline SA Sevens is already a landmark event on our rugby calendar, but the tournament continues to grow in stature. SARU, the City of George and our other sponsors are again looking forward to another hugely successful and entertaining international event,”said Roos.

2010/2011 IRB Sevens World Series

Dubai, UAE                             3-4 December 2010

George, South Africa            10-11 December 2010

Wellington, New Zealand     4-5 February 2011

Las Vegas, USA                    12-13 February 2011

Hong Kong, (China SAR)  25, 26, 27 March 2011

Adelaide, Australia              2-3 April 2011

London, England                 21-22 May 2011

Edinburgh, Scotland           28-29 May 2011

The 2010 Commonwealth Games Sevens competition will be held in Delhi, India on 11-12 October 2010

Sloppy handling by the BlitzBokke, coupled with a penalty count of 4 to 1 allowed Australia to clinch the Plate Final at the 2010 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens here tonight.

The South African Springbok Sevens side had to settle for second place yet again after losing to Fiji in the Cup Final last year.

The final score Australia 12 – 7 South Africa.

Another injury blow has hit the Springbok Sevens on the eve of the popular Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens tournament which starts on Friday, 26 March 2010.

Steven Hunt is returning home today to see a specialist after he sustained a knee injury on the first day of the Adelaide Sevens tournament against Japan over the weekend. MJ Mentz has already joined the team as a replacement.

The injury to Hunt is the latest in a series of frustrating blows the team has suffered since the beginning of the season. The departure of several of last season’s stalwarts, as well as long term injuries to Renfred Dazel, Paul Delport, Neil Powell and Mzwandile Stick have robbed the IRB Sevens Series champions of a core group of experienced players, forcing coach Paul Treu to call on a number of promising youngsters to fill the sizable gaps.

The team is yet to qualify for the Cup semi-finals this season, but Treu believes that the experience his young guns are gaining now will ultimately benefit the side in the near future.

“This season has been very frustrating because of injuries to so many players. We lost both our captains as well as our specialist scrumhalves and must cope with the introduction of many young players at the same time.

“I think the guys have, under the circumstances, performed admirably though. However, no matter which team we put on the field, it is important for the players to execute the game plan effective, and up to now we have not really done so.

“So far this season we have played with three 21-year olds and two players who have just turned 19, and unfortunately, it takes time for these players to get a grip and understanding of our game plan.

“We have the ability but we need to up our game when it comes to the execution and especially the decision-making, which will unfortunately only come as the guys play more games together as a unit,” said Treu.

The team will play hosts Hong Kong in a warm-up match today. South Africa will contest Pool F with fellow African teams Zimbabwe and Kenya, as well as Korea.

South Africa is currently seventh on the Series log with 44 points, the same amount as Kenya who is placed higher by virtue of their two Cup semi-final appearances.

Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu hopes that his young charges can make up for their mistakes in Adelaide at the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens next weekend.

New Zealand defeated the Springbok Sevens 21-14 in the Plate Final of the Adelaide Sevens on Sunday while Samoa claimed the Cup final after defeating the USA 38-10.

The BlitzBokke held their Kiwi opponents to a 14-14 half time score after New Zealand’s Save Tokula scored the opening try of the game which was converted by Kurt Baker in the first minute of play.

The Boks hit back hit two minutes later when Sampie Mastriet scored his ninth try of the tournament and South Africa’s first try of the final. Mastriet’s try was converted by Cecil Afrika.

Speedster Sampie Mastriet was a top-scorer in Adelaide (Pic: IRB)

New Zealand then took the lead after captain DJ Forbes scored their second try of the game which was again converted by Baker. But the Boks leveled the score minutes before the half time hooter when Chris Dry crossed the try line. His try was converted by Afrika.

After the break a Tim Mikkelson try ensured that New Zealand regained their lead over the South Africans and after Baker kicked his third conversion of the afternoon, the Kiwis boasted a seven point lead.

The Boks had chances to level the game in the final stages of the match when their opponents were reduced to six after Leka Tupuola was yellow carded for a professional foul. However handling errors by the defending Cup champions kept them from stringing many phases together against a Kiwi defensive effort that never allowed the Boks much forward momentum.

The South Africans booked their place in the Plate final after comprehensively defeating Wales 29-0 in their semifinal match played at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

The Boks held the Welsh scoreless and ran in five tries of their own which were scored by captain Kyle Brown, Mastriet, Ryno Benjamin, Afrika and Branco du Preez.

Knocked out of Cup Competition

Earlier on Sunday, the Boks were knocked out of the Cup quarterfinals after conceding a 17-14 defeat to Argentina.

The Boks scored two tries thanks to the efforts of Brown and Mastriet. Both their tries were converted by Afrika. However the Pumas outscored the Boks by running in three tries of their own thanks to Diego Palma, who scored a brace and Ramiro del Busto. Joaquin Todeschini kicked one conversion.

Another chance in Hong Kong

“The defeat against New Zealand and Argentina and to some extent the draw against the physical Samoans are some of the hard lessons this young side will learn as we prepare for our next tournament in Hong Kong,” said SA Sevens coach Paul Treu.

“However to see our younger players come through in the manner in which Sampie Mastriet, Chris Dry and Branco du Preez has done, definitely makes me positive about the future of our side. Sampie scored a hat trick in his first game and scored nine in his first tournament. I also wanted to see how Chris Dry could handle the pressures of a final and he definitely passed the test!

“We have the chance to correct our mistakes of Adelaide in Hong Kong next week and I am positive about our chances at that tournament.”

“Come here you Frogg!” Cecil Afrika & Chase Minnaar corner a French player (Pic:IRB)

After a rather dismal start to their IRB Sevens World Series title defence this season, The South African Sevens side started off their USA Sevens campaign with a much better performance overall.  The American gambling capital of Las Vegas is currently hosting first-ever Sevens Rugby tournament. (Pictured in Vegas: Frankie Horne)

Day 1 of the USA Sevens started in the wee hours Sunday February 14 (03:00) where the BlitzBokke were pitted against (second on the IRB log) Fiji, hosts the USA and their northern neighbors Cananda.

The South Africans finished in second place of Pool B by beating Canada (33-0) and the USA (33-12).  They went on to lose a closely-fought match against against Fiji (5-12). 

With an hour and a half to go to the start of the knock-out rounds of the USA Sevens, South Africa is set to play New Zealand in the Cup Quarter-finals.

The USA Sevens knock-out rounds starts with the Quarter-finals at around 03:00 on Monday morning (Hong Kong time).

Follow all the action on our sister-website, BlitzBokke.com

(Pictures courtesy IRB/Wessel Oosthuizen/Martin Seras Lima)