Australian Men’s Sevens coach Andy Friend has named an experienced side for this weekend’s inaugural Sydney 7’s, opting to leave new recruit Quade Cooper out of the 12-man squad despite being available for the tournament.

Friend has made five changes to the squad that finished fifth at the Wellington Sevens last weekend with captain Ed Jenkins, back Cam Clarke and Wallabies flyer Henry Speight all returning for Australia’s home leg of the world series.

Friend said the team was looking forward to the occasion of playing in front of a packed house in its home tournament.

“We’ve had a great preparation this week and there has certainly been that extra bit of intensity in training ahead of what is a big occasion for the boys playing in front of a huge home crowd.

“There are always tough calls to make regarding selection but we are really happy with the balance of the team and confident that they’ll rise to the occasion and produce their best footy this weekend,” he said.

On the non-selection of 58-Test veteran Cooper, Friend said the late arrival and limited preparation of the French-based playmaker ultimately led to the decision to delay his Sevens debut.

“Quade is an exceptional footballer and has shown real character to put his hand up and say I want to be part of this team and work hard for this opportunity. That’s exactly what you want.

“There is no doubt in my mind that he will be a tremendous addition to the squad as we build towards Rio, but due to circumstances which were beyond Quade’s control, and our control, he just couldn’t get enough work in this week with the team.

“Quade is going to get his opportunities during the series and we are really excited to have him here in our group and with us throughout this preparation. He’ll spend the weekend embedded with the squad as well, that contact (with the team) is a really important part of his learning process in a different version of the game.”

Friend said the draw for the inaugural HSBC Sydney 7s has excited fans with a much-anticipated finale to the opening day action when the Aussies clash with rivals New Zealand in the final match on Saturday night.

“Its always a massive occasion when Australia and New Zealand meet on a Rugby field and this is going to be something a little bit different in the Sevens format but certainly not lacking in the usual intensity.

“They showed what they can do in the Wellington Sevens in that amazing final against South Africa and we are looking forward to the challenge of taking them on in front of a vocal home crowd.”

Australia play three matches on day one of the tournament, facing Portugal at 1:34pm, Canada at 5:32pm and New Zealand in the final match of the day at 9:03pm.

Australian Men’s Sevens squad of Sydney Sevens

Henry Hutchison,  Tom Kingston, Sam Myers, Lewis Holland, James Stannard, Con Foley, Cameron Clark, Greg Jeloudev, Ed Jenkins, Allan Fa’alava’au, Henry Speight, Tom Cusack.