USA Sevens squads: Forbes, Geduld and Watson ruled out
ENGLAND
Alex Davis has been called into Simon Amor’s side after Marcus Watson who was injured in Wellington. Jack Walsh has also travelled to the USA as England monitor Tom Bowen’s fitness.
England finished as runners-up to hosts New Zealand after losing the final 27-21, a result which puts them just two points outside of the top four behind Australia in the hunt for Olympic qualification.
“We’re extremely pleased with the heart and spirit that the guys showed in Wellington and we’re looking to build on that,” said Amor. “It’s disappointing to lose Marcus, but the injuries we’ve had have provided other players with the opportunity to come in and impress.
NEW ZEALAND
DJ Forbes joins Tim Mikkelson on the absentee list for the All Blacks Sevens for round five of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Las Vegas.
The New Zealand captain was injured in the Cup quarter final with Australia at the Westpac Stadium and has been replaced by Lote Raikabula who is set to appear in his 61st series event, while Scott Curry will captain the side.
SOUTH AFRICA
Current series leaders South Africa also make one change with Rosko Specman replacing Justin Geduld who suffered a hamstring injury on day of the Sevens Wellington.
The Blitzboks lead the series after finishing third by beating Scotland in the play-off having lost twice over the two days – to France in their opening pool match and New Zealand in the Cup semi finals – with New Zealand just seven points behind.
“We were not as sharp and probably not as mentally focussed as we would have liked to be on the first day in Wellington,” said head coach Neil Powell.
“We did much better on the Saturday and I am glad we finished the tournament with a good win against Scotland in the third place play-off.”
AUSTRALIA
Australia, who sit fourth in the world series just two points ahead of England, have also announced their squad with Geraint John naming an unchanged side for the tournament at the Sam Boyd Stadium.
“It’s a busy week, but one that is exciting and that we are relishing,” said John. “We’re all keen to get back on the field to address the mistakes that cost us in Wellington last weekend.”
ARGENTINA
Santiago Gomez Cora makes three changes to the side, with Santiago Cordero, Ramiro Moyano and Javier Rojas all called up to the Pampas XV and replaced by Franco Sabato, Francisco Merello and Joaquin Diaz Bonilla. Rojas was the top tackler at the Sevens Wellington and is the joint leading tackler for the series with 77 alongside South Africa’s Werner Kok.
“The three of us are are eager to add to the team,” said Sabato. “We know each other well so hopefully it won’t be too difficult. “Personally I am proud to be part of this team and play on the international sevens circuit.”
Argentina are sixth in the overall standings on 47 points, just 11 behind Australia in fourth with an eye on Olympic qualification.
Courtesy of World a Rugby
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