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Wallaby stars in line for Commonwealth

Wednesday 17 February 2010 (UR7s)

Australia Sevens head coach Michael O’Connor could be set to include some Wallabies in his Commonwealth Games squad later this year.

Australia have had a successful year under O’Connor, winning two Plate finals in Dubai and Wellington, and reaching a Cup semi-final for the first time this season in Las Vegas.

It was their best result in two years on the IRB Sevens World Series after beating Fiji in the quarter final and they now sit just four points behind England in the log, with a home leg in Adelaide yet to come.

The head coach believes his side will be genuine medal contenders when the Commonwealth Games in Delhi begin, but that medal could be gold with the addition of a couple of Test stars.

He has spoken to the ARU about the idea and has his eye on Digby Ioane, David Pocock, James O’Connor and Matt Giteau - a move which could be replicated by many unions for the 2016 Olympic Games.

The move would also be similar to that of 2006 when Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Chris Latham and Scott Fava were added to the Melbourne squad.

But pleased with the progress of his young squad, O’Connor won’t feel the need to include as many Wallabies this time around in October.

"I've had that discussion with the ARU and I'm very interested in one or two," he told AAP.

O'Connor said Ioane's strength and speed made him a sevens natural while Pocock, who has unseated George Smith as the Wallabies ball scavenger ticks all the boxes.

"I think Dave Pocock would be an absolutely fantastic sevens player," he said.

"He's extremely fit, strong over the ball, quick, he played in the centres at school, and he's smart and would learn quickly.”

Ioane last played Sevens in 2003 but quickly put his hand up on if the opportunity arose.

"I would love to, it would just depend on how it panned out with the Test season," he said.

The Commonwealth Games fall in between the end of the Tri-Nations campaign, and the preparations for the Spring Tour of Europe – one of the main stumbling blocks.

The Wallabies are scheduled to leave for Europe on October 30, more than three weeks after the Sevens are played at Delhi, but, Wallaby head coach, Robbie Deans' first training camp is due to start in Sydney on October 4.

Tagged in this article: Adelaide Sevens, USA Sevens

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