The race of who will be crowned the 2008 and 2009 IRB 7's series champion is still wide open, with South Africa taking a commanding lead, and a chance to win their first ever IRB 7's series title.

After the Hong Kong 7's last weekend, the Paul Treu coached side has opened a 16 points lead at the top of the IRB 7's series points standing with 84 points followed by England on 68, Fiji in 3rd spot with 62 points and defending champion New Zealand on 60 points.

With only 3 tournaments left, the Australia 7's, England 7's and Scotland 7's, the maximum points a team will get from winning all 3 titles is 60 points.

Hopes for Fiji, England and New Zealand to win the title will rest on how South Africa will perform in the next 3 tournaments.

In Australia, South Africa is in Pool D with Kenya, Japan and Cook Islands and they will meet up with either World Cup 7's champion Wales, USA, Tonga or New Zealand in the quarter finals.

A South Africa loss early in the quarter finals will mean teams like Fiji, England and New Zealand have a chance of bridging the gap in the points table.

But if South Africa reaches the final or wins the Australia 7's title then hopes of other team is slim.

The Australia 7's kicks-off in Adelaide on Friday at 7pm and Fiji's opening pool game at 8.28pm against Scotland.