Mokuena back for Bok Sevens

Friday 30th May 2008

South Africa has made one change to their squad for the final IRB Sevens World Series tournament in Edinburgh, which starts on Saturday in the historic Scottish city.

Sweeper Vuyo Zangqa was ruled out with an ankle injury and Jonathan Mokuena returns in his place. Stefan Basson or Fabian Juries will play sweeper on Saturday at Murrayfield on the opening day of the two-day tournament.

Paul Treu was understandably disappointed with his team's poor performance on the second day of the London tournament. His charges must now reach the Cup Final to secure the runners-up spot behind champions New Zealand because Samoa and Fiji are within striking distance of the South Africans.

Samoa emerged victorious in London after beating Fiji in a controversial final. The Kiwis beat South Africa 19-12 in the Plate Final after both teams were shocked in the quarter-finals - the Sevens Boks losing 12-0 to Argentina and England getting the better of New Zealand by 17-12.

The Pumas are also South Africa's first opponents in a tough pool game on Saturday. The other teams in Pool B are Australia and hosts Scotland.

"We are facing a tough pool and will have to be at our best from the first whistle. We can still finish second overall behind New Zealand, but we can also finish fourth. That alone should be enough motivation for the guys to raise the bar this weekend," said Treu.