Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

The IRB World Seven Series gets under way today in New Zealand with the Springbok sevens team taking on Scotland in Pool A in Wellington.

Kickoff is 3.28am SA time.

Following the South African team's success in the sevens tournaments in Dubai and George last year, all participants will be after their scalps, starting with Scotland.

Coach Paul Treu described their opening encounter as a tricky one but he believes his troops are well prepared.

"We are no longer a surprise-package and the other teams know what to expect from us," he said. "As always, our focus will be on the first game and obviously to get into our stride as soon as we can."

Captain Mzwandile Stick will lead his troops in their quest to qualify for the knockout stages.

The full squad: Mpho Mbiyozo, Robert Ebersohn, Frankie Horne, Vuyo Zangqa, Philip Snyman, Kyle Brown, Renfred Dazel, Ryno Benjamin, Paul Delport, Stick, Howard Noble and Gio Aplon.