Springbok Women's Sevens coach Cecil Afrika has expressed confidence heading into next weekend's HSBC SVNS World Championship finale in Bordeaux after his side finished ninth in Valladolid, beating Argentina 19-17 on Saturday and Brazil 19-12 on Sunday.
The results represent an improvement on their 12th-place finish in Hong Kong, where injuries disrupted their campaign, and Afrika credited intensive work at the squad's Stellenbosch base for the turnaround.
"We improved due to having time together on the training field and the squad becoming a tight-knit group," he said. "We care about each other, and we care about the jersey, and those elements came through on the weekend."
Afrika is seeking medical clearance on Byrhandré Dolf, who left the field against Brazil, and Lerato Makua, who did not play on Sunday. With Shanidené Bezuidenhout already sidelined following surgery — though reportedly recovering well — Afrika may call in replacements from South Africa before the team travels to France.
Debutant Jané Mulder drew specific praise, with Afrika noting she had performed well in her first season on the circuit despite occasional over-eagerness. He views Bordeaux as an opportunity to break into the top eight, saying there is no reason the side cannot keep climbing after the lessons absorbed in Spain.