The Blitzboks have entered uncharted territory in the HSBC World Sevens Series - not only are they the team to beat, but they are also the standard-bearers of the sport.
South Africa have always been among the top five, but reverence has been reserved for New Zealand and Fiji during the 17 previous editions of the series.
Even though SA won the 2009 title, overall victory was achieved against expectations.
But this year, the Blitzboks have set new Sevens standards on defence.
They have changed the nature of the sport with their work off the ball and it will take teams a while to catch up.
Just as Fiji were the 1990s kings of attack before New Zealand took the blueprint and improved on it over 15 years, SA have shown the way forward in Sevens in 2017.
Defence, used as an attacking weapon with accurate ruck play and lightning counter-attacks, has never been so slick.
Neil Powell's team has also set the standard for fitness and discipline.
The Blitzboks will carry the burden of being the overwhelming favourites early in the season after winning two of the three tournaments so far and winning 17 of their 18 competitive matches.
They won round one in Dubai and were runners-up in Cape Town in round two.
Last week in Wellington the Blitzboks won round three and have earned 63 log points out of a possible 66.
With a 12-point lead at the top of the standings, only a massive implosion will see the Blitzboks denied the title.
Captain Philip Snyman has warned his team about being the target as they head into round four in Sydney this weekend.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
