Tim Anstee is set to play his first Sevens tournament in close to a year after being named in this weekend's Vancouver Sevens leg.
Anstee has battled injury in recent months and hasn't featued on the World Series since the Singapore Sevens in April of 2019.
After a fourth-placed finish in Los Angeles, Anstee is the only new face in the 13-man squad, replacing LA debutant Angus Bell.
Despite their final placing, Australia looked like one of the most threatening teams in the Los Angelese tournament, with some comprehensive wins in the bank.
Aussie Sevens coach Tim Walsh said the side was hungry to build on the LA result.
“After missing out on a podium finish last week there is a real hunger within the squad to go one better in Vancouver," he said.
“After a pretty lengthy injury Tim returns to the team in great physical condition. Despite being young he is an experienced Sevens player and brings a physical dominance balanced with deceiving speed. We are very pleased to see Tim back in gold and playing in Vancouver.
“Much like last weekend we’re looking to go out and make a statement, especially as we draw closer to the Olympics its important to continue to build on strong performances so we can hit the ground running in Tokyo.”
The Vancouver Sevens kicks off on Sunday March 8, AEDT, running until Monday March 9.
SQUAD
Aussie men's Sevens for Vancouver Sevens
Nick Malouf (c), University of Queensland, 39 caps
Joe Pincus, Eastern Suburbs, 11 caps
Lachlan Anderson (vc), Eastwood, 26 caps
Tim Anstee, Eastwood, 22 caps
Henry Hutchison, Randwick, 31 caps
Dylan Pietsch, Randwick, 17 caps
Maurice Longbottom, Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, 19 caps
Stu Dunbar, Sydney University, 1 cap
Josh Turner, Manly Marlins, 5 caps
Lewis Holland (vc), Queanbeyan, 52 caps
Lachlan Miller, Randwick, 11 caps
Trae Williams, 4 caps
Rod Davies, 4 caps
FIXTURES
Vancouver Sevens
Sunday March 8
All times AEDT.
4:22am - Australia vs Scotland
7:34am - Australia vs Samoa
10:46am - Australia vs USA
