QANTAS AUSTRALIAN MEN’S SEVENS SQUAD, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Dec 8 • General News, Sevens Rugby • 2155 Views • Comments Off on QANTAS AUSTRALIAN MEN’S SEVENS SQUAD, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

1.Matthew Hood, 2 caps, Sydney University

2. Simon Kennewell, 10 caps, Randwick

3. Sam Myers, 29 caps, Norths (Sydney)

4. Lewis Holland (c), 32 caps, Aussie 7s

5. James Stannard, 42 caps, Aussie 7s

6. John Porch, 10 caps, Norths (Sydney)

7. Tim Anstee, 11 caps, Eastwood

8. Boyd Killingworth, 14 caps, Manly

9. Jeral Skelton*, Brothers, 1 cap

10. Ben O’Donnell, Randwick, 1 cap

11. Maurice Longbottom, 1 cap, Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team

12. Lachie Anderson, 8 caps, Eastwood

*HSBC Sevens World Series debut

Aussie 7s looking for improved performance in Cape Town

The Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens team will be aiming to improve on their Fifth Placed Finish in the Dubai Sevens last weekend with the side striving to take a spot in the top four.

Speedster Matthew Hood has been promoted into the starting squad following an impressive performance as injury cover last week, with Jeral Skelton called in to the team for the injured Ed Jenkins.

The Aussie 7s have been placed in Pool B alongside New Zealand, Spain, and USA, ensuring a tight battle to make the Quarter Finals of the tournament.

Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens Head Coach Andy Friend said: “As a squad we talked last week how we needed to win more of the Championship moments and that is our aim for this weekend.

“We played some really good Rugby last round, now the challenge is to step up our game and finish off the key moments in what will be a tough pool in Cape Town.

“Matthew Hood came on and had some good involvements last week and I am excited to see Jeral Skelton make his World Series debut. He is a really exciting young talent with a lot of ability and potential in Sevens.

“The USA, New Zealand and Spain have three contrasting styles of play, but we are raring to go and finish off 2017 strongly heading into the HSBC Sydney 7s at home.”

Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens Fixtures, Cape Town:

Saturday 9 December

Australia v Spain, 8.43pm AEDT

Sunday 10 December

Australia v USA, 12.04am AEDT

Australia v New Zealand, 4.12am AEDT