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Can Bok Sevens stay Treu to form?

Consistency is what Paul Treu wants from his young side in the next two IRB Sevens World Series tournaments in Wellington and San Diego.

Consistency is what Paul Treu wants from his young side in the next two IRB Sevens World Series tournaments in Wellington and San Diego.

The experienced coach - one of the very best around if one considers how he has rebuilt his side before and during every season due to franchise call-ups - is wary that his charges being less focused after their two wins in Dubai and George.

He has also had a frustrating training period since they reassembled on January 5.

"The young players have shown they can take the step up," Treu said on Monday. "What we need now is for them to show consistency - and to take even more responsibility in the absence of the seniors."

Of the seniors last year's captain, Neil Powell, has only just resumed training after a broken hand, and Marius Schoeman will also not be ready for the next two tournaments.

"Frankie Horn, Renfred Dazel and Mpho Mbiyozo will, however, be ready for the next two tournaments after recovering from injury, and so will Philip Snyman, who won't take part in our match practise sessions against Belhar and Belville Tech this and next week because of concussion," Treu said.

The loss of MJ Mentz, Stefan Basson, Schalk van der Merwe, Kabamba Floors, Danwell Demas, Fabian Juries, Jonathan Mokuena and Wilton Pietersen cost the Boks plenty of talent and, with the exception of Pietersen, also lots of experience.

"I'm quite frustrated. We've had no game time yet," said Treu about their preparations since returning from their holiday break - and the opposition over the next 10 days will not offer mutch in that respect, either.

"We simply have to set our own standards," he said philosophically.

The team departs for Wellington on January 30 where they are pitted against Kenya, Scotland and Tonga in the tournament on February 6 and 7. The following weekend Australia, the US and Canada will test the top-seeded Springboks in the San Diego tournament's pool stages. - Sapa

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