Experienced Aussie eye Dubai title
Australia coach Michael O'Connor has named a squad full of experience for the second round of the 2013/14 IRB Sevens World Series, in Dubai next Friday and Saturday (November 29 and 30).
Nine players who starred in the Aussies' impressive opening round of the 2013/14 IRB Sevens World Series on the Gold Coast will return for their next stint in Dubai.
The squad features a line-up of Australia's biggest Sevens stars, including Shannon Walker, Jesse Parahi, Cameron Clark and Sean McMahon.
Con Foley, who was named Australia's Sevens Player of the Year, and Shawn McKay Award have also been named in the team.
Former Wallaby and Super Rugby dynamo, Luke Morahan has been included, with Sevens regulars, Lewis Holland, Sean McMahon and Greg Jeloudev.
With two World Cup Sevens campaigns and a Commonwealth Games silver medal under his belt, Morahan is a timely bonus for the 2013/14 World Series campaign.
Lewis Holland and Greg Jeloudev will further bolster the team's ability, having each amassed an impressive 440 points between them since they debuted for Australia in the 2010/11 World Series.
Stalwart Sevens crusader and 2013 Gold Coast Sevens Player of the Tournament, Ed Jenkins will remain at the helm as captain as the team looks to go one better than their first round runner-up spot on the Gold Coast.
O'Connor said he's assembled one of the most experienced squads for Dubai.
"We've put together our best possible squad. Sometimes it's difficult with players out with injury, but this time we've managed to put together a good collection of players.
"It's a well-balanced team, with a lot of those who played on the Gold Coast. In my opinion, it's the best squad we could have going into the next round," O'Connor said.
The Australian team will play against Wales, Scotland and Spain in Pool B at next week's tournament.
Asked about the Aussies' pool, O'Connor said the team has enormous respect for the teams Australia will face in their pool matches.
"I never make predictions about these tournaments; it's certainly not an easy field. I don't think we can take away from the sides we play as they're all very good."
Strong performances in this season's IRB Sevens World Series, next year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2014/15 Sevens IRB Sevens World Series will be part of Australia's quest to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Australia: Paul Asquith, Cameron Clark, Con Foley, Lewis Holland, Greg Jeloudev, Ed Jenkins (captain), Tom Lucas, Nick Malouf, Sean McMahon, Luke Morahan, Jesse Parahi, Shannon Walker.
