SOUTH African coach Neil Powell is content with his side’s performance in the 2015/2016 IRB 7s series.
“Obviously, we use the whole series as preparations for the Olympic Games,” he told Times Sport.
“We got top players from the XVs and some other players and tested them in the circuit. We were trying out different combinations and we are really happy with what we have achieved throughout the season.
“We will go into a few camps after this and play one or two tournaments before we get to the Olympics.
“There’re still some players who are not here at the moment so will have a squad of 18 to 20 for the first few camps, first few weeks and will narrow it down to 15 to go to the Olympics.”
Powell said like Fijians, South Africans religiously follow rugby with the team always under scrutiny.
“I think it’s all about the pride and the jerseys we wear on our backs. Whenever the guys put the jerseys on, no matter who we play, we want to do our best. We try and do our best for the people back home and the team
“Like in Fiji, rugby is almost a religion for most countries like Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa. There is pressure all around, everyone wants to do their best and be successful when it comes to the Olympics
“We are also under pressure to do well here and in the Olympics.”
