Walker makes cut for Australia Sevens squad

[(IRB.COM) Sunday 23 March 2008] ：

Australia Sevens coach Billy Millard has selected his 12-man squad for the Hong Kong and Adelaide legs of the IRB Sevens World Series, one that contains a dual international, exciting youngsters and experienced heads.

Andrew Walker, capped by Australia at both Union and League, will make his debut at the Hong Kong Sevens next weekend along with his Queensland Reds team-mate Caleb Brown, Willie Bishop and Western Force youngster James O'Connor.

Shawn Mackay continues as captain with Luke Inman and James Lew other experienced players, while Damon Murphy returns to the squad after missing the Wellington and San Diego legs as a result of the head injury he picked up in a warm-up tournament in Darwin.

However Australia, who lie ninth in the Series with their best performance being the Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand in Wellington, will be without playmaker Kacey Mitchell, who withdrew from the extended squad for family reasons.

"This is a good well-balanced squad who know Sevens rugby," said Millard, who will be assisted by David Campese in Hong Kong and Adelaide, with another Wallaby legend Mark Ella joining them for Australia's home event.

"Already we have a strong positive culture within the group and good depth which is really important at this level."

Australia will face Tonga, France and the host nation in Pool F at the Hong Kong Sevens, before South Africa, USA and Canada provide the opposition in Pool C at the Adelaide Oval from 5-6 April.

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