It has not been the ideal start to the world sevens series for reigning champions New Zealand, but coach Gordon Tietjens is confident his current side have the potential to match the lofty standards set by their predecessors.
South Africa are setting the standard in this series, winning
the opening round in Dubai last weekend and coming from behind to beat New Zealand 12-7 in their own tournament at George.
It is the first time South Africa have won successive rounds in the series, and their maiden win on home soil.
They lead the standings on 40 points, ahead of New Zealand - who were knocked out by England in the Dubai semifinals - on 28. England and Fiji have 24, and Argentina 16.
Tietjens said he was pleased with the improvement the players showed since Dubai.
"It was a close final, and a couple of mistakes came back to haunt us. That's the nature of sevens rugby, and you pay the penalty for that," Tietjens said.
"I thought we had pretty good tournament here - we improved so much on Dubai - and to come out and nearly win it, I'm pretty proud of my players.
"It's pretty promising looking ahead. We have got Wellington (February 6-7) coming up now and it's a big tournament for us.
"We need to get on the winner's table there."
New Zealand scored first through skipper D.J. Forbes, but Renfred Dazel snatched one back at the end of a tight first half with New Zealand leading 7-5.
South Africa camped out for much of the second period in the opposition 22, but New Zealand's famous defence held firm.
The winner came through Mzwandile Stick, who jinked through the defence with two minutes left on the clock.
Tietjens indicated he was not looking too far ahead at the World Cup next year.
"The first priority is getting right up there in the world series.
"It's pretty tough with four to five teams out there who can beat any one of us on their day, so it'll be pretty close right through to the end."
New Zealand have dominated the world series, winning eight of nine editions, with Fiji the only other nation to notch a win.
- NZPA
