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He may have travelled 20 hours by plane and hauled his behind to training as soon as he landed, but it’s not enough to get Quade Cooper a spot in the Australian squad for the Sydney Sevens this weekend.
There’s no room for Cooper in Andy Friend’s first squad since coming on as Australian coach, and he has backed the experienced squad members to do the business at Allianz Stadium
Captain Ed Jenkins returns to the side in one of the big changes, with Cameron Clark, Con Foley and Henry Speight also called into the squad.
Speedster Speight will get his first opportunity in Australia having played in the Oceanic region Olympic qualifying tournament late last year. Speight could prove to be one of Australia’s key weapons with his unique mix of pace and power.
Friend said the team was keen to front up at a sold out Allianz Stadium.
“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.
Friend said limited preparation cost Cooper the chance to debut for Australia, having only completed one training session before the tournament.
“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 is a really important part of his learning process in a different version of the game.”
What do you think Roarers? Is this the right call by the Aussies?
Australian squad for the Sydney Sevens:
Sam Myers
Tom Cusack
Ed Jenkins (c)
Con Foley
Allan Faalavaau
Tom Kingston
Lewis Holland
James Stannard
Cam Clark
Greg Jeloudev
Henry Hutchison
Henry Speight
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.