South Africans try to stretch Sevens lead in US event

South Africa will try to hold off England and New Zealand for the points lead as the International Rugby Board Sevens series completes the first half of its season here this weekend.

The Springboks won the opening two rounds at Dubai and South Africa but were dumped by the Kiwis last week in the Wellington quarter-finals, although eight-time champions New Zealand were edged 19-17 by England in the final.

"We have moved on," South Africa coach Paul Treu said. "I sense a real hunger amongst the guys to do well here in the States."

That led South Africa on 49 points, five ahead of England and New Zealand as the leaders prepared for a showdown on US soil. The season concludes with stops next month in Hong Kong, Australia in April and England and Scotland in May.

But the two-day US event, on Saturday and Sunday, is the final tune-up for next month's Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.

South African under-20 wing Lionel Mapoe joined the Springboks, replacing captain Mzwandile Stick, who suffered a hamstring injury in Wellington that threatens him playing in the World Cup.

Also minus a captain is New Zealand, with Sevens Player of the Year D.J. Forbes out with a left foot injury. Veterans Edwin Cocker and Tomasi Cama are also missing for the defending US Sevens champions after their home near-miss.

"The team is gutted that we came close but didn?t finish on top," said New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens. "That said, we faced a lot of adversity and our guys, particularly our newer members, have learned a lot from that experience."

South Africans are expecting the return of Gio Aplon and Philip Snyman this weekend. Aplon had a stiff neck and missed the last day at Wellington while Snyman had a hand injury.

"Gio and Philip should be fine because both of them have already started with gym training," Treu said.

"We will continue to monitor them and although they may miss some of the training matches as a precaution, I am confident that both will be ready come this weekend."

South Africa play in Pool A with Australia, Canada and the US hosts while New Zealand play in Pool B with Kenya, Uruguay and France. Pool C has England, Japan, Samoa and Scotland while Pool D has Wales, Fiji, Mexico and Argentina.