Ella eyes dream team for Commonwealth Games

Australian Sevens coach Glen Ella has said Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Scott Fava and Chris Latham would all be in his "dream team" for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games next March.

With tomorrow marking 100 days to go until the Games, Ella has outlined an agreement with the four Australian Super 14 teams that will ensure Australia's best players are available for the Rugby Sevens at Telstra Dome on 16-17 of March.

While the Commonwealth Games falls in the middle of the inaugural Tooheys New Super 14 tournament, a starting fifteen player from each Australian Super 14 team will be available for Commonwealth Games selection.

A player from outside the starting fifteen will also be available from each team, opening up a pool of top quality players for Ella to choose from.

Ella said Giteau, Fava, Latham and Tuqiri were on his initial "wish list".

"This agreement allows us to field Australia's best rugby players in the world's biggest Sevens tournament," Ella said.

"Wearing the gold jersey at the Commonwealth Games is a big occasion that every player would relish, especially in front of a big home crowd in Melbourne.

"Tuqiri, Fava and Latham all played Sevens together at the Brisbane Sevens in 2003, so they have a very good understanding of the game at this level.

"Matt Giteau also played the majority of the 2001-02 IRB Seven season and has the speed, step and skills that make him a natural for the high speed nature of Sevens.

"It is still early days yet and a lot can happen between now and the Commonwealth Games.

"We will monitor how these players go in the early rounds of the Super 14 season, as well as keep our eye on other players who have the potential to make the Australian team."

The Australian Sevens team is currently in South Africa for the George Sevens on 9-10 December.

Tickets for the Rugby Sevens at the Commonwealth Games are selling strongly. To purchase your tickets online, go to www.melbourne2006.com.au or call 1300 00 2006.

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Ella gives thumbs up to Games match schedule (Thurs Oct 13)