Australia 7s ready
THE Australian Sevens sides have been confirmed as the HSBC World Series heads to Dubai and Cape Town.
This will see the TripleCrown-winning women begin their title defence, with coach Tim Walsh keeping a settled line-up as they prepare for back-to-back rounds
Charlotte Caslick and Demi Hayes will again serve as cocaptains, with Caslick recently named World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year.
They are joined by Wallaroos duo Sharni Williams and Bienne Terita after their stint in the 15-a-side game during Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand.
“The opening tournament gives all teams the opportunity to execute off-season training strategies in the hope that they develop into competitive advantages,” said Walsh in a statement.
“We are expecting all teams to be at their best from the first game, and there is plenty at stake due to the promise of Olympic qualification.
“Our team has a unique style both on and off the field – everybody has a voice and an integral part to play.
“Last year, we proved we could go out there and consistently win – our objective this year is to better ourselves every single day.”
As for the men, John Manenti has been forced into two changes from the side that claimed the opening leg in Hong Kong earlier in the month.
Darcy Lancaster (shin) and James Turner (quad) have been ruled out, set to miss Dubai and Cape Town after picking up injuries during the event.
This is offset by the return of Matt Gonzalez, who has recovered from a hamstring injury.
He is joined by debutant Jordan-Lee Bacon, with the Eastwood product rewarded with a sudden call-up after a breakthrough performance for Australia A during last week’s Oceania Rugby Sevens Challenge.
“Though we enjoyed great success in Hong Kong, it doesn’t make our next step any easier – our Pool games against Kenya, Great Britain and South Africa will make for a tough Day One,” Manenti said.
“We have never won the Dubai tournament, but we see this weekend as a great opportunity to make some more history.”
The side is once again captained by Nick Malouf.
Squads for Dubai and Cape Town: Women: Charlotte Caslick (Co-captain), Demi Hayes (Co-captain), Madison Ashby, Lily Dick, Dominique Du Toit, Tia Hinds, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Maddison Levi, Teagan Levi, Faith Nathan, Sariah Paki, Bienne Terita, Sharni Williams
Men: Nick Malouf (Captain), Tim Clements, Stu Dunbar, Matt Gonzalez, Henry Hutchison, Nathan Lawson, Jordan-Lee Bacon, Maurice Longbottom, Ben Marr, Kye Oates, Henry Paterson, Dietrich Roache, Josh Turner
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