Settled Aussie Sevens on home turf
Australia Sevens coach Michael O'Connor has named an experienced squad for their home leg of the Sevens World Series on the Gold Coast this weekend.
O'Connor says he is confident his 12-man selection has the right balance to succeed.
"The side is the most experienced team I have taken into the opening tournament of the year.
"Our two debutants Alex Gibbon and Tom Lucas are both coming off impressive performances in Suva, Fiji last weekend at the 2013 Oceania Sevens Championship. I am confident they can step up and play at IRB level," he said.
The inclusion of local star and speedster Shannon Walker is certainly a draw card for fans over the weekend.
"Shannon is a fast mover and an exciting player to watch with his deft footwork," O'Connor said.
Captain Ed Jenkins is leading the side for a consecutive third year, and said the side was looking forward to the tournament on home soil.
"It's great to have the support of the crowd. It always provides such a good atmosphere to play in.
"The draw will provide some tough matches, especially with Samoa coming off a win last week in Fiji at the Oceania Sevens.
"We have a well-balanced squad, with some fresh faces, and we have been working hard in the off-season to make sure we can come out in fighting form," said Jenkins.
Australia Sevens squad: Paul Asquith, Cameron Clark, Con Foley, Alex Gibbon, Ed Jenkins (captain), Laloifi Junior Laloifi, Tom Lucas, Nick Malouf, Sean McMahon, Jesse Parahi, James Stannard, Shannon Walker.
