And there you have it. Our best ever Aussie sevens team according to Michael O’Connor. But what of the now? The Glasgow Commonwealth Games sevens program starts this weekend and will be new coach Geraint John’s first tournament in charge of the Aussie. So how does O’Connor think we will go?
I think we will be competitive. The squad we have is a really good mix with plenty of experience. The key is that the game has become so physical these days. New Zealand just manhandle sides when they play. England are another big side, and we will be able to stand up to these sides.
We’ve got some very good forwards which will be vital. We’ve got Tommy Cusack, who may be a little rusty, but with he and Liam Gill and Sean MacMahon we can match them. When we had Sean as a 17 year old, he was the best in the world at the attacking restart. So with him back in the squad, together with Cam Clark’s kick restart ability we have a real chance there. Gill is fearless in the air, and puts safety second when going for the ball. That’ll have a enormous impact on the outcome of the game.
We’ve got some experience there in James Stannard and Ed Jenkins. In defense Jesse Parahi and Con Foley are terrific in not only making the tackle, but getting the turnover. It’s a very strong squad and we’re a very real chance.
Australia’s games will be as follows (Brisbane Time). TV broadcast details unknown at this stage.
- Autralia v Sri Lanka (from 7.50pm) on Saturday 26 July
- Autralia v Uganda (from 10.12pm) on Saturday 26 July
- Autralia v England (from 5.20am) on Sunday 27 July
- Semi-Final matches (from 3.40am) on Monday 28 July
- Medal matches (from 6.15am) on Monday 28 Juley
