Australian 7s Team Lose Playmaker Maurice Longbottom
Longbottom has been ruled out with a hamstring injury while Josh Coward (ankle) is another casualty from the team that lined-up at the Sydney Sevens.
Wednesday 27 February 2019 | 09:00
The Australian 7s team suffered a setback before the USA 7s kicks-off in Las Vegas on Saturday.
The Aussies who are pooled with the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team will be without diminutive gamebreaker Maurice Longbottom.
Longbottom has been ruled out with a hamstring injury while Josh Coward (ankle) is another casualty from the team that lined-up at the Sydney Sevens.
Australian 7s coach Tim Walsh has brought in former Junior Wallabies flyer Liam McNamara and Sydney product Matthew Hood as his replacements.
Australia will face Wales, Scotland and Fiji in Pool D.
Australia (47 points) are sixth in the World Series behind New Zealand, USA (both 76), Fiji (72), South Africa (57) and England (55).
“The next two legs of the series presents a great opportunity for this squad to attack for HSBC Sevens World Series points as we cross into the halfway point,” Walsh told news.com.au.
“The team has had a good look at Hamilton and Sydney and we have addressed some key performance areas.
“Liam McNamara is an aggressive attacking player, has a great rugby brain and he is ready to lead the players around the field in his ball playing role.
“Matt is one of the most explosive players in our wider squad and has been breaking down the selection door to be included in the 12.”
Edited by Grace Narayan
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