The South Africans opened their short tour to France by winning the Centrale Sevens in Paris on Wednesday and Thursday, where they claimed six wins on an undefeated run to the title.

They then hopped on the train for the trip east and Paul Delport, their coach, will be hoping for more of the same on the weekend.

“It is going to be a huge challenge, both mentally and physically,” said Delport.

“We don't play in tournaments regularly, so to rebound so quickly will not be easy. We basically are starting all over again for this one.

“That said, we did very few things wrong and had very few issues with injuries, so there is no reason why we cannot just pick up from the efforts in Paris."

South Africa will play Georgia (at 11h34), Norway (at 13h46) and Poland (at 16h42) in Pool C on Saturday.

“We have played Georgia in Paris, while Poland and Norway will be fresh for this tournament, so we can expect a tough day,” said Delport.

“Both those two teams play on the European circuit, so they will be organised on defence and attack. We come to these type of tournaments to be tested though, and the whole squad is really looking forward to play.”

Delport also confirmed that regular captain, Zintle Mpupha, has not recovered sufficiently from her knee strain and will not play.

The Springbok Women’s Sevens  squad is:
1. Rights Mkhari
2. Christelene Steinhobel (co-captain)
3. Buhle Sonomzi
4. Snazo Mcatshulwa
5. Sizophila Solontsi
6. Catha Jacobs
7. Zinhle Ndawonde
8. Mathrin Simmers (co-captain)
9. Zenay Jordaan
10. Nadine Roos
11. Eloise Webb
12. Kelly van der Berg
13. Snenhlanhla Shozi