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While Mike Friday will enjoy a brief hiatus from the shortened game as he helps John Mitchell coach the Eagles XVs in their June tests, he is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to his Olympic preparations. Following the completion of the 2015/16 HSBC Sevens Series in London the USA supremo admitted that he was eyeing the return of three key players in particular – Andrew Durutalo, Carlin Isles, and newly minted European Champions Cup and Aviva Premiership winner Chris Wyles.
Durutalo has now departed Japan and the Sunwolves and will play for the Eagles XVs against Italy and Russia before turning his focus to Rio. The powerful forward has enjoyed a fine Super Rugby season and while the Eagles have filled the gap with the likes of Ben Pinkelman, Garrett Bender, and Thretton Palamo stepping up, Durutalo’s strength over the ball and ability to win turnovers has not quite been replaced.
Quality Brumbies outfit tonight.Thankful to the @sunwolves for my first season in @SuperRugby. Arigato to the fans. #RoadToRio
— Andrew Durutalo (@durutalo_8) May 28, 2016
Perry Baker has certainly set the HSBC Series alight this season while injuries ruled Isles out of half the season. To have both lethal finishers fit and firing will be a major boost to the side. NFL export Nate Ebner has emerged as an alternative but despite obvious athletic gifts his inexperience at the highest level could prove a hurdle too high to overcome in such a short amount of time.
Eagles World Cup captain Wyles has retired from international XVs duty but has made no secret of his desire to take part in the inaugural Olympic 7s. While he has not appeared on the HSBC circuit in several years, he was part of the side that won the 2015 NACRA 7s. The ability to cover the midfield and especially Folau Niua’s playmaker spot give him a decent chance at making the final cut.
Down but not out are long-term injury victims Kevin Swiryn, Brett Thompson, and Nick Edwards. Both Swiryn and Thompson are 15 weeks into ACL surgery rehabilitation and are back on their feet again, while Edwards is working his way back from a broken leg suffered in his test debut against Chile in the Americas Rugby Championship. While time is not on their side, they could well come back into the equation if their progress is consistent over the next six weeks.
A video posted by Brett Thompson (@brett024) on
