Reuben Johannes (flanker, newly SA contracted) and Ruwellyn Isbell (wing, Blue Bulls Under-19) are the newcomers and set to make their SA debuts at the Gold Coast Sevens.

Good news for the Blitzbokke is that several of their stalwarts who struggled with an assortment of injuries towards the end of last season, are fit.

Bernado Botha, however, has failed a fitness test after injuring himself at the Middelburg Sevens and is replaced by Stephan Dippenaar.

There is also a welcome return to the squad for winger Tshotsho Mbovane, who last played for the Blitzbokke in Australia and Hong Kong last year.

In Middelburg, the Blitzbokke got the better of current Sevens Rugby World Cup holders Wales in an entertaining final.

Speaking to media yesterday, Treu said his team was looking forward to a very important season.

“Our aim is to win the World Series.  The team is under no illusion that this is a massive year waiting for us,” said Treu.

– Own correspondent.