The Blitzboks’ dream of successfully defending their Sevens Series world crown is all but over.
Even if they manage to win this weekend’s London Sevens as well as the last tournament in Paris, they will finish on 165 Series points.
As it stands, USA top the log on 145 points with two tournaments to go.
That means Carlin Isles and his teammates will have to finish outside the top six in both legs for SA to stand a chance of catching them.
Just because they need a miracle to hold on to their crown, doesn’t mean South Africa have nothing to play for.
PREPARATIONS: Coach Neil Powell. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/Backpagepix.
They have to finish in the top four of the Series standings if they want automatic qualification for next year’s Tokyo Olympics.
Coach Neil Powell’s men are currently in fourth position, with this weekend’s hosts England closely on their heels.
To better England’s result in London, South Africa will have to be at their best.
They last tasted success in this event back in 2011, but it’s also not like the hosts are vuurwarm in their own backyard either.
England last won their home series back in 2009 and with a 14-point between them and SA, they will know they have to make up some ground this weekend.
When the Boks kick off their first match against Japan at 12.20pm on Saturday, all eyes will be on Branco du Preez who will become the most-capped SA Sevens player with 68 tournaments to his name.
And for him, the cherry on the cake would be to make it to the Olympics.
MILESTONE: Branco du Preez. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix.
Du Preez explains: “I missed out on selection for the Olympic Games in 2016.
“I struggled with an injury and form and did not make the final squad.
“There is another chance come Tokyo 2020 and I have my mind set on making that squad.
“To do that though, we need to do well here in London to start with, in order to qualify as a top four finisher.
“That is where we want to be at the end of the weekend.
“To get there, we need to trust each other and play as a team and be in sync.”