Australia loses Pat McCabe for Commonwealth Sevens
Australian Sevens player Pat McCabe has been forced to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games after suffering a knee injury.
The 22-year-old McCabe was selected for the Australian Sevens side taking part in the Games in New Delhi India in October. The youngster was thought to be an important member of the team as his experience playing full-back, wing and outside centre made him
a valuable player to have on the roster for quick sevens play.
McCabe’s stock has been quickly rising in the Australian Rugby Union. The Sydney native was named the Super 14’s rookie of the year last season and accompanied the Australian Wallabies as a reserve to South Africa during the 2010 Tri Nations tournament.
McCabe was understandably disappointed he was forced out of Sevens action, saying. “I’m extremely disappointed and more so to be missing out on the rare opportunity to represent Australia at the Games. To miss the experience of staying at the athlete’s village
alongside some of the world’s best and potentially missing out on winning a gold medal is extremely disappointing.”
Along with McCabe Australia has also lost Brian Sefanaia, who suffered a ligament tear and will not be available in India. Australia has replaced the two men with Shaun Foley and Ed Jenkins.
However, the Sevens squad did get some good news in that winger Nick Cummins has been cleared for play after he suffered a shoulder injury last weekend. The side will hope Cummins can help fill the void left by McCabe as he also travelled with the Wallabies
to South Africa as a reserve.
The Sevens tournament has offered Australia a chance to give some of their youngsters an opportunity to shine on the international stage, as well as gain much needed experience against some of the world’s most dynamic players.
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