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The IRB Sevens World Series continues this Friday with the teams heading to Adelaide for the next chapter of World Series. Robin Heymann spoke to young Australian captain Pat McCutcheon about not being booed, the hardest thing about Sevens and why Australia coach Mick O’Connor has the respect of the team.

 Pat there must be a good feeling amongst the guys after a good showing in Las Vegas?

It is a good feeling in the camp but we really have to have our heads switched on and get ready for Adelaide and Hong Kong.

What are the major reasons why you have improved in recent months?

Our young guys are beginning to understand the game a lot better and we are really working on things such as our defence which won us some of those big games. It is getting that Sevens based knowledge up to scratch. We are all good, young athletes so it is a matter of them switching on.

Which individuals have impressed you?

Guys like Kimami Situati and Brackin Karauria-Henry have picked up the knowledge and they are already good young talented players who are great attacking options for us.

Can you describe your training preparations in the lead up to IRB tournaments?

A couple weeks out from the tournament we will be focusing on getting a good base of fitness. Then in the week leading up its more of a focus on skills and moves and getting up to speed with everything. Leading up to the second tournament we make sure everyone is fully recovered then learning from our errors the previous weekend.

Australia are given a tough reception at some of the tournaments, it must be nice to play in front of some supportive fans for once?!

Australia always seems to get a hard time at the overseas tournaments so it will be good to get some backing finally! Some of the boy’s families will all be heading down so it is exciting and they are really looking forward to it. 

And playing the English pommies in the group stages?

It’s always a good game between us and its good for us to play a top team in the pool stages. It lets you know the level you should be at. England are only four points ahead of us in the table too. But we are trying to focus on our preparation mainly and not worry about anyone else.

What have you learnt most from playing top level Sevens?

One of the things that I found most difficult to pick up was the whole defensive structure and that is now starting to work for me. It is a bit different to 15-a-side where you defend switches and loops and have to cover a lot of ground. Another key lesson in Sevens is identifying where to attack. Identifying the space and playing towards it. They are sometimes difficult things to pick up.

Do you thrive on the responsibility as captain?

We have many leaders in our group and although I’ve been given the role I get a lot of help out there. This helps me hugely and takes away some of the pressure which is really beneficial to me.

How excited are the guys to be playing in the cauldron of Hong Kong in a weeks time?

Yeah well the crowd at the Wellington Sevens was massive and loud. Everyone keeps telling me that Hong Kong is even better, the boys are all looking forward to playing in that environment. Big stadiums and big crowds.
 

Who are your toughest opponents on the circuit?

Fiji are always tough, although we beat them last time out. Their structure is very open with a lot of flip balls and passing which we find tough to defend. They are unpredictable and you don’t know what is coming often.

What is Michael O’Connor like as a coach?

Mick’s really adaptive. He’s not stuck in his ways and he is always willing to listen and find new ways for us to improve. That makes a really good coach and I think the boys really respect that and are not afraid to put their ideas forward.

Who were your rugby heroes and inspiration growing up?

In 15s I’m normally an open side flanker so my influences growing up would be guys like Phil Waugh and Richie McCaw, George Smith are the guys I look out for.

Is Super 15 rugby the ultimate goal for you?

I’d obviously love the opportunity to play some Super 15 Rugby and play for a state. If things don’t go my way, I am enjoying the Sevens season. I would love to do another season if the opportunity came about. But of course playing for your state and maybe the Wallabies is something I would love to do.

Can the Commonwealth Games get the team some good further exposure Down Under later this year?

Commonwealth Games is an exciting opportunity so I think there will be some fresh faces to the team. Olympic entry has widened interest in this sport and I think Aussies will really get behind us in Delhi in October this year.

What is the best part of playing IRB Sevens for Australia?

Look there is nothing better than playing for your country mate, it’s an awesome experience. As a young footballer getting the opportunity to play in big tournaments in front of big crowds, it doesn’t get much better than that.

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