Wells called up to replace injured Jeloudev for Port Elizabeth

Fri, Dec 12, 2014, 3:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

Michael Wells has been drafted into the Australian squad for the South Africa Sevens after Greg Jeloudev was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Wells linked up with the squad on Wednesday after scans revealed the injury sustained by Jeloudev in training wouldn't heal in time for the weekend.

(Michael Wells has been called up for South Africa Sevens. Source Getty Images)

Qantas Australian Men's Sevens Head Coach Geraint John said: "It's a blow for both Greg himself and the team. Sure, it alters the balance of the squad a bit but I am delighted to bring Wellsy into the squad.

"By all reports, he played very well for The Tribe in the International Invitational event in Dubai and he is fit and raring to go. Michael has been working hard in training, has shown a very good attitude since he joined the Sevens program full-time and I'm very confident he can play an important part in the tournament for us."

The 21-year-old Sydneysider said: "It all came as a bit of a surprise. I got the call in the early hours of Wednesday morning and was on the flight to Port Elizabeth by mid-morning!

"I'm pretty excited to be joining the lads in South Africa - they had a great tournament in Dubai. I think I played ok for The Tribe in Dubai last weekend and managed to get over the line a few times too. I want to bring my confidence to the camp."

Wells is set to win his second Sevens World Series cap after debuting on the Gold Coast in October. Australia has been drawn alongside Argentina, Portugal and Zimbabwe in Pool B in South Africa.

Fans can catch all of the action from Port Elizabeth from 7.20pm AEDT on FOX SPORTS 2 on Saturday, and from 7.40pm AEDT on Sunday.

Share
Petaia, Slipper recalls headline mouth-watering Reds-Brumbies blockbuster
Max Jorgensen re-commits to NSW Waratahs, Australian Rugby
In-form utility Kuenzle thrilled to 'take his opportunity'
Super Rugby Pacific 2024 Teams: All the team news for Round Six