Fresh faces named in Tim Walsh’s first Aussie 7s squad
Newly appointed Australian Men’s Sevens Tim Walsh has named a new look squad ahead of his first tournament as head coach.
Walsh has made three changes from the side that finished in fifth at the Commonwealth Games earlier this month, with Jeral Skelton, Lachie Miller and Nick Price coming into the squad.
Australia (89) currently sits in fifth position on the Sevens World Series ladder behind Argentina (90), New Zealand (107), Fiji (123) and South Africa (126).
Earning his second cap for Australia after making his debut in Hong Kong is Lachlan Miller, who hails from Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast.
Australia will have to face the Commonwealth Games Gold Medallists, New Zealand in Pool D alongside Wales and Scotland.
“It’s been a quick turnaround between finishing with the Women’s program to starting in my new role,” Walsh said.
“Diving right in is a great way to start, the sooner I can shape and influence the team with my leadership style the better.
“The squad has been enthusiastic and vocal about wanting to improve and to be consistently on the podium especially after finishing eighth at the Olympics, fifth on the Gold Coast and currently fifth on the World Series.
“Everything has its challenges and that is what gives us purpose. I enjoy the hard work, love this game and cannot wait for the future with this team.”
Australia kicks off it’s campaign in Singapore on Saturday April 28 at 1.00pm AEST against Scotland.
Australian Men’s Sevens Squad
1. Jeral Skelton, 4 caps, Brothers
2. Tom Connor, 5 caps, Warringah
3. Sam Myers, 34 caps, Norths (Sydney)
4. Lachlan Miller, 1 cap, Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour)
5. Nicky Price, 2 caps, Southern Districts
6. John Porch, 17 caps, Norths (Sydney)
7. Tim Anstee, 17 caps, Eastwood
8. Jesse Parahi (c), 43 caps, Norths (Sydney)
9. Brandon Quinn, 7 caps, Gordon
10. Ben O’Donnell, 7 caps, Randwick
11. Maurice Longbottom, 5 caps, Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team
12.Lachlan Anderson, 14 caps, Eastwood
13. Dylan Pietsch, 9 caps, Randwick