AFP - World sevens champions South Africa are banking on home support to get their title defence back on track in the Cape town of George this weekend.

The 2009-2010 season began in Dubai last Friday and South Africa fell in the quarter-finals to Fiji while former champions New Zealand went on to lift the trophy.

South Africa came up trumps in George last year and coach Paul Treu believes home advantage can prove decisive at the compact home of Currie Cup second-tier team South Western Districts Eagles.

"Our supporters were really fantastic last year and I'm expecting the same on Friday and Saturday. Any team will tell you that nothing beats the feeling of playing in front of your own crowd," he told local media.

Treu, whose leadership and knowledge has lifted South Africa from sevens underachievers to world champions, vowed the Middle East setback would not trigger panic within the camp.

"We worked hard during the break and our system served us well last season. My squad is full of talent and we must quickly learn to play well consistently over two days.

"The team was spot on with its composure and decision making during the opening rounds, but was found wanting in those areas the following day when it really mattered.

"The losses against Fiji and Australia (in the Plate final) were massive eye openers for the team and they now realise how much better they will have to play as defending champions," warned Treu.

Among the South African squad is Deon Helberg, whose flight from Cape Town to George ended dramatically with the jet skidding off the runway and landing on a road.

"Deon is a bright young man and the unfortunate incident had no negative effect on him," stressed Treu ahead of the 16-team tournament at Outeniqua Park.

New Zealand skipper DJ Forbes is desperate for his side to maintain the form that carried them to a 24-12 triumph over Samoa in the first leg of an eight-round series that climaxes late May in Edinburgh.

"We always enjoy playing in George and would like to continue where we left off in Dubai. Our ambition is to play good rugby and carry on winning," said Forbes.

"I believe there are some fantastic teams competing on the circuit this season and we are going to have to be at the top of our game in order to be successful."

South Africa are in Pool A with France, Kenya and Zimbabwe, Pool B comprises Australia, Fiji, Portugal and Russia, Pool C includes New Zealand, Samoa, Wales and United States and Pool D has Argentina, England, Scotland and Tunisia.