Four Australian players who played in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament last weekend have been named in the Australian 7s team for this weekend’s New Zealand 7s in Hamilton.

They are forwards Simon Kennewell, Sam Myers, Jeral Skelton and Josh Coward.

“We always look forward to playing Fiji,” Kennewell said.

“It’s tough to play Fiji but it also brings the best out of us as well.”

Myers said taking part at the Fiji Coral Coast tournament allowed them to play against the finest players in Fiji.

Kennewell will make his long awaited return to the Australian Sevens fold in Hamilton.

The 22-year-old ruptured his ACL in the days leading up to the team’s triumphant 2018 Sydney 7s campaign and has not featured in the Australian setup since, returning to rugby at the Coral Coast 7s last weekend.

He passed that test and has been brought straight back into coach Tim Walsh’s side for the final tournament before the Sydney 7s.

Kennewell’s return is one of four changes made by Walsh for the New Zealand leg of the World Series circuit.

Rookies Coward and Skelton have also earned recalls.

The Aussies are in Pool A with the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team, Argentina and Wales.

“We’re pleased with the way the team has prepared and bounced back following on from our last tournament in Cape Town and round three could not come quick enough for us,” Walsh said.

“Bringing Simon (Kennewell) back into the squad is an exciting proposition and adds more competition for spots.

“Argentina, Wales and Fiji offer three varying styles of rugby, so from the get go there will be challenges for us in Hamilton.”

Australia: Nick Malouf, Lachlan Anderson, Henry Hutchison, Kennewell, Skelton, Myers, Coward, Maurice Longbottom, Lewis Holland (c), Ben O’Donnell, John Porch, Brandon Quinn, Michael Wells.

– Edited  by Grace Narayan

Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj