South Africa kick off their World Games Sevens campaign in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei on Friday bidding to achieve two significant firsts: a major championship title and a Cup final victory against Fiji.

Paul Treu's squad won a maiden IRB Sevens World Series crown at the end of May, winning three of the eight Cup titles available in finals against England, New Zealand and Kenya, but no Bok Sevens squad has ever won a World Cup in Sevens, a Commonwealth Games or a World Games.

An even more remarkable fact is that, in the history of Sevens, South Africa have never managed to beat the Fijians in a tournament Cup final, and lost twice to them at that stage last season, in Hong Kong and Edinburgh.

In Scotland, the South Africans had already done enough to secure the overall Series. The Fijians also won by only a single point, suggesting that Treu's side may now be primed to snatch the World Games title from the islanders.

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"There's going to be a lot of expectation on us to go out there and win this weekend," said Treu.

"Within South Africa and even here within Team South Africa, I think everyone expects us to go out there and win the Gold medal, so that's our goal as well, to win a first major tournament."

Joining Team South Africa

Competing at the elite multi-sport level brings its own set of challenges for Treu and his players, who are more used to playing in a rugby-only environment.

"I think the IRB Sevens World Series has probably spoiled us a bit in terms of the special treatment that we get, but it is something unique, something interesting and really special because you do get to interact with other sports and meet other team members as part of Team South Africa," Treu added.

"Even to watch on TV or go and be exposed to other sports that you've never seen before is quite special.

"It's also a good warm-up for the Commonwealth Games next year, and hopefully for possible Olympic inclusion in 2016. We're all looking forward to it."

The World Series winners have enjoyed an ideal period of acclimatisation for the event. They arrived in Chinese Taipei last Tuesday, giving themselves 10 full days to get used to the demanding heat and humidity with practice matches against both the hosts and Japan.

"I think our preparations have gone pretty well, we gave the guys a few days off and can't wait to start now on Friday."

Treu: Our responsibililty now

South Africa begin their challenge against Chinese Taipei and also face 2008 European champions Portugal and North American champions USA on Friday in the pool stages. In the other group lies the significant dual challenge of Fiji and Argentina, along with the top two Sevens sides in Asia, Japan and Hong Kong.

With five continents represented by the eight competing nations, Treu believes it is now down to the players to deliver another thrilling Sevens spectacle on the pitch, and further underline the sport's Olympic credentials.

"I think we do feel a responsibility," he added. "The IRB has put a lot of effort and energy into making sure that we stand a good chance, and I think it's now up to us to bring something to the party, showcase the fact that Sevens is becoming a truly global sport and that rugby should be included in the Olympics.


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"All eyes will be on the World Games to see how many specators Sevens can attract, particularly in a non-rugby playing nation, or a developing rugby nation like Chinese Taipei.

"I think it's important for us to show the rest of the world that Sevens deserves a place, is an exciting sport and can be enjoyed by so many people around the world."

The World Games will be played in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei on 24-25 July 2009.