Australia aiming high for Hong Kong

The reigning World Champions are seeded third behind Canada and England for the IRB competition and they are also planning for tournaments later this year in London and Holland.

Australia are looking to bounce back from their third place finish in the Dubai Sevens tournament last December when they last competed.

Head coach Chris Lane has named three changes to his side that fell just short of advancing to the Cup final in Dubai after suffering a 12-10 loss to England before going on to defeat USA 22-5 in the third-fourth playoff.

World Cup winner Tricia Brown returns to the side after missing Dubai due to an eye injury, while Shontelle Stowers and Emma Gillogly are set to make their debuts.

Nine players remain from the third-place finish in Dubai and the side consists of five members of the Australian side that won the 2009 Sevens World Cup in Dubai, with Brown, Bo De La Cruz(pictured), Alex Hargreaves, Debby Hodgkinson and Captain Rebecca Tavo all making the trip to Hong Kong.

Lane said: Every time we step out as the Qantas Womens Sevens side Im looking for continued improvement. Weve worked hard since Dubai but were still learning how we want to play the game; were still learning our strengths and who we are as a team. Im just looking for them to get in and have a real go. These tournaments are key to developing the side.

On the squad itself he added.

Its great to have Tricia Brown back in the side. Shes a very experienced player and a very accurate kicker and you cant underestimate how important restarts and goal kicking are in7s. Shontelle Stowers would have pushed for Dubai selection if she wasnt injured and Emma Gillogly has showed a serious work rate in vying for selection.

Qantas Womens Sevens Squad for Hong Kong:

Debby HodgkinsonAlex HargreavesShannon ParryEmma GilloglyIliseva BatibasagBo De La CruzCobie-Jane MorganSharni WilliamsEmilee CherrShontelle StowersRebecca Tavo (C)Tricia Brown