Last December, South Africa won their home title for the first time, a proven core of players handling the pressure-cooker atmosphere with aplomb to send the thousands of home fans into delirious excitement.
In doing so, they also won back-to-back titles for the first time, having won the opening event in Dubai the weekend before.
The Springbok Seven were superb in seeing off a strong England side, Fiji and then New Zealand to claim the title.
"The supporters were really fantastic last year and I am expecting the same on Friday and Saturday," said Treu.
"Any team will tell you that nothing beats the feeling of playing in front of your own crowd."
Highlights: Watch South Africa's 2008 George win
In the forwards, Mpho Mbiyozo and Frankie Horne provided the go-forward power, while in the backs the likes of Renfred Dazel, Gio Aplon, Robert Ebersohn and Vuyo Zangqa sparkled. All four are absent this time for coach Treu, underlining the massive challenge his squad faces.
The side impressed on day one in Dubai last weekend, culminating in a 29-0 pool victory against Australia, but losing 7-0 to the same resurgent opposition in the final of the Plate, having lost in the Cup quarters, was a sobering experience.
Keeping the faith
"We've worked very hard during the pre-season and our system has served us well last season. We are missing several regulars from the 2008/09 season, but that is no excuse," Treu added.
"This squad is full of talent and we must quickly learn to play consistently well over two days."
Mzwandile Stick and new captain Paul Delport are there again alongside the likes of Ryno Benjamnin, Horne, Mbiyozo and Kyle Brown, but it is impossible not to miss the attacking ingenuity and unpredictability brought last year by the likes of Dazel - currently coming back from injury - and Aplon.
Can the Boks bounce back and delight their home support? Will they miss the likes of Ebersohn and Zangqa? Only time will tell as they set out in pool play on day one against the dual African threat of Kenya and Zimbabwe and France.
