With the growing emphasis on speeding up Super Rugby, no players have arguably taken advantage of it more than those well-versed in playing in the quickest format.
The Australian Super Rugby sides have seen an influx of Sevens-bred players across the backline.
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Corey Toole has emerged as the breakout star of 2023, forming a deadly combination with Ben O'Donnell whilst Rebels duo Lachie Anderson and Joe Pincus fit the 'fast and fearless' brand of Rugby that have transformed Kevin Foote's side
Toole will face off against a plethora of ex-Sevens talent on Saturday, either lining up against Commonwealth Games teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase or Tokyo Olympian Dylan Pietsch with Ben Dowling expected to feature after making his starting debut.
“He’s come in seamlessly," Pietsch said on Toole.
“He gets a lot of good ball from his centres, Len Ikitau is really good there in giving him ball in open space where he is so quick.
“You give him that inch of room and he’ll take it. It’s really cool to see how he’s progressed through really quickly.”
The rise of the seven reflects a growing collaboration between the two formats. Tim Anstee and Michael Wells have established themselves as Wallabies bolter with the Force whilst Tate McDermott's explosiveness continues to provide a point of difference for the Reds.
In the past, guys such as David Croft, Matt Giteau, Bernard Foley and John Roe have used the fast-paced format to springboard their eventual World Cup aspirations along with brief stints from established stars like Quade Cooper and Nick Cummins for a cup of coffee.
“It’s been an interesting point to reflect on because I do think there’s been so many transferable skills and I think that’s why there’s so many Sevens people moving into the 15s and vice versa to pick up those skills,” Pincus said.
“There’s so many aspects like that heads-up play and always being ready for the next play. I was speaking to my brother (Tom, fellow Sevens-Rebels flyer) and the try I scored on the weekend I had cleared a ruck and then just ran in support for Monty and I think that’s such a leftover instinct from Sevens to hit a ruck and then think ‘where’s the ball going.’"
“I think it’s just that open space and fitness with that repeat speed as wingers,” Pietsch added.
“We do a lot of that in Sevens so to be able to transfer that in as a winger is really good for putting pressure on those kicks.”
Pincus was excited to see players head in the opposite direction more frequently, pointing to the growth of the likes of Nawaqanitawase and Samu Kerevi.
“I don’t think it’s a one-way street. I think there could be an interesting experiment there where you could see a lot of players like Samu (Kerevi) and Mark (Nawaqanitawase) go over to Sevens and use those skills in 15-a-side so I like that idea of collaboration amongst the teams," he added.
“Playing for the Aussie Sevens is a really big honour and I’m sure there’s lots of 15-a-side players that’d enjoy the experience.
“I think there’s a lot of benefits for the 15-a-side players to spend some time on the Sevens field and that shows with the talent playing Super Rugby.”
