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Boks eye debut HK win
27/03/2008 12:58 - (SA)
Hong Kong - South Africa skipper Neil Powell on Thursday said he was hopeful of claiming the country's first Hong Kong Sevens win after finishing second last month in San Diego.
But he admitted the team, distant second in the overall standings, had little chance of catching runaway leaders New Zealand who have won all four tournaments so far.
"We're looking forward to the tournament and we take a lot of confidence in playing a final in America," Powell told reporters.
"We're lucky we have got some experience here. There are a lot of experienced guys and that helps here in Hong Kong," he said.
Powell said only an unthinkable implosion would halt New Zealand, who can virtually wrap up their eighth series title with victory here.
"They are a great side and there are no weaknesses at all," he said.
"It's going to be difficult to catch them. They will have to slip up."
Winning streak
South Africa are 32 points back in the standings from New Zealand, who have a maximum 80 points. The winners here will claim 30 points with three more tournaments to go.
In beating South Africa in the US, New Zealand extended their record winning streak to 36 matches. But captain DJ Forbes said his all-conquering side cannot leave anything to chance.
"We take confidence from past results but we can't rest on past performances. You're only as good as your last game in sevens," he said.
Defending champions Samoa, who beat Fiji 27-22 in last year's final here, currently lie fourth in the standings on 38 points.
Samoa skipper Uale Mai said: "We have played together for a long time. We are confident because we trust and believe in each other."
The Hong Kong tournament, from Friday to Sunday, is the fifth leg of the world series and is followed by events in Australia, England and Scotland, the last leg from May 31-June 1.
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Rugby
