Australia Sevens veteran Pat McCutcheon will be fit for their opening clash against France, after overcoming a hamstring tear.
The former Waratah was in danger of being a late scratching from Andy Friend’s squad after injuring himself in the six-match warm-up series against Japan last month.
“It’s probably not known to the public but I had a minor tear to my hamstring against Japan which put me in a little bit of doubt and gave me a fair amount of anxiety,” McCutcheon said.
“Nick Poulos (Head of Athletic Performance) and Simon Harris (Head of Performance Science and Rehabilitation) have put me through a pretty strict rehab program and I had to meet certain goals to make sure I am available to play.
“There aren’t any issues with the hamstring now.”
There is just a week to go until the Men’s Sevens Olympic campaign kicks-off and the veteran has urged the team to stay calm ahead of the biggest tournament of their careers.
After watching the Wallabies go down three-nil to England during the June series, the former Waratah knows how much a medal in Rio could do for Rugby in Australia.
“Personally, I don’t think it’s time for Australian rugby to panic,” McCutcheon said.
“It’s a good opportunity for both the Men’s and Women’s Sevens sides to put their hands up, stand up and put themselves right up there in the next couple of weeks.”
“It’s less than 12 months since the Wallabies reached the Rugby World Cup Final…I don’t think the sport is in a bad state, just maybe the tide has turned against us a little lately.”
After taking home silver at the Delhi Commonwealth Games, McCutcheon’s leadership - and experience - will prove vital with the average squad age of just 24.
“Hopefully those traits bring a real point of difference,” McCutcheon said.
“If I can pass on my knowledge to the younger boys in the group then my job will have been done.”
Australia’s opening Pool B clash kicks-off against France at midnight (AEST) August 10.
