Johannesburg - A big test lies ahead for the South African Women's Sevens rugby team at the World Series tournament in Brazil on Saturday and Sunday.
Springbok Women's Sevens coach Renfred Dazel said on Thursday although his charges were bracing themselves for a big challenge, they were keen to test themselves against some of the top teams in the series.
South Africa will line up against England, Canada and Russia in a testing pool round at Arena Barueri in Soa Paulo on Saturday.
With Canada in third place on the log standings and England in fifth place after the season-opening Dubai tournament, they will have to perform to their potential from the outset.
Dazel was pleased with his team's preparations on Thursday.
“We have been training for this tournament since the first week in January, and it was good to see the increased tempo at training and the commitment among the players to lift their game.
“All three teams were in the top five on the log table at the end of the 2013/2014 World Series and are physical sides. Last season in Brazil Canada finished third and England fourth, while Russia advanced to the Plate final so we are under no illusions about the challenge ahead.”
While Dazel admitted that possible Olympic Games qualification was in the back of their minds, he said their objective was to take each tournament in their stride.
“This is our first season as a core team on the World Series circuit so there is already pressure on us to compete at this level,” said Dazel.
Sapa