Longbottom boosts Aussie 7s in Hong Kong
Livewire Maurice Longbottom is the big inclusion for Australia's rugby sevens tilt in Hong Kong after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The speedster has been missing since the side's Sydney tilt in January and will be vital next weekend as they make a late push for a top-four world series finish and accompanying Olympic qualification.
Australia are currently sixth after a string of frustrating performances and won't have it easy in pool games against New Zealand, Fiji and Kenya from April 5.
The hard-running Tim Anstee is also back for Tim Walsh's side, while Dylan Pietsch has retained his spot after impressing in Vancouver.
"Bringing two quality players like Maurice Longbottom and Tim Anstee back is really exciting for the whole group and we know how dangerous they can be," Walsh said.
"The squad, as always, has worked hard since returning from the North America leg and we've made some changes to the team to adjust for our plans.
"Sevens leaves little margin for error and our errors in recent tournaments have cost us dearly ... we learn from our experiences and prepare to play without regret and without fear."
Australia are currently 24 points behind fourth-placed South Africa with four legs remaining, with a tournament win earning 22.
"This round is a real opportunity for this squad and the team is looking forward to the challenge," Walsh said.
Australia: Nick Malouf, Simon Kennewell, Jeral Skelton, Lachlan Miller, Lewis Holland, Ben O'Donnell, Tim Anstee, Liam McNamara, Henry Hutchison, Dylan Pietsch, Maurice Longbottom.
