South Africa Sevens coach Neil Powell's immediate thoughts will be occupied with whether his team can win the final leg of the World Sevens Series in London this weekend, but he will also have been pondering the future.

The Blitzboks could win the overall title if they win in London and leaders Fiji lose in the quarterfinals. It's a long shot and SA can only do their part by winning and then hope for the best. But Powell will also be turning his attention to 2016 and building the squad for an assault on the Olympic gold medal in Rio.

With automatic Olympic qualification guaranteed last week in Glasgow, the Blitzboks are assured of a place on the South African team to Rio next year, after meeting the requirements set by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) last year.

This season's World Series has yielded two wins and five other semifinal appearances, but in the second half to the campaign the Blitzboks have been out-muscled by the physically intimidating Fijians.

Given that Sevens is following a similar path as 15s, where big athletes are prized, Powell will be giving thought to including some recognised senior Springboks in Rio next year.

Lions and Bok No. 8 Warren Whiteley is an obvious choice. He was part of the squad that won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year and fits the prototype of the modern Sevens athlete perfectly. He is tall, quick, strong, defends brilliantly and is great going forward.

Decorated Bok wing Bryan Habana is another who might have the chance to add an Olympic medal to his trophy cabinet.