Trial run for Aussies
The Tokyo-winning Australian team will have one last hit out before the final two rounds of the IRB Sevens World Series when they meet their New Zealand counterparts in Sydney on Sunday.
The match, which will feature two 10-minute halves, is a curtain raiser for the Super Rugby clash between the Waratahs and the Crusaders.
Aussie coach Michael O’Connor knows it will be an exciting affair.
“It’s unusual to have a low-scoring game in 20 minutes of Sevens,” O’Connor said.
“I can guarantee there’ll be tries. Sevens is all about attack. We’ll take it to each other.
“This game is a real good opportunity for us to play against the best Sevens outfit in the world.”
The Aussies are currently ranked sixth in the Sevens World Series, with their most recent tournament an overwhelming success, after defeating Samoa in a physical and closely fought Final to claim the Tokyo Sevens Cup.
The New Zealand side is currently ranked first in the series, leading Fiji by just two points.
Having grown up in Sydney, Aussie captain Ed Jenkins is thrilled his side will finally get to strut its stuff in his hometown.
“It’s really exciting,” Jenkins said.
“While it’s a great experience to be able to travel around the world we don’t get a lot of chances to play in front of family and friends so Sunday will be a great opportunity and one I know the whole team will really enjoy.
“We haven’t had the opportunity to plays a Sevens game in Sydney before and what better way to kick it off than against the best team in the world.”
The Australian squad for Glasgow and London is currently assembled at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen.
Australia – for the tournaments in Scotland and England: Damon Anderson, Jesse Parahi, Sean McMahon, Solomoni Rasolea, Jordan Tuapou, Con Foley, Allan Faalavaau, Ed Stubbs, Ed Jenkins (captain), Matt Lucas, Lewis Holland, Shannon Walker.
Australia – to take on New Zealand: Damon Anderson, Jordan Brown, Will Miller, Solomoni Rasolea, Jordan Tuapou, Lindsay Crook, Jacob Taylor, Ed Stubbs, Trent Dyer, Matt Lucas, Lewis Holland, Shannon Walker.
