USA Sevens skipper Hughes returns for NZ trip
Carlin Isles and Brett Thompson, who were previously injured have also been included in the 12-man squad.
Perry Baker relieved Hughes of captaincy duties in Cape Town, where the Eagles were knocked out of the fifth-place semifinal by reigning Series champion and Rio 2016 Olympic gold medalist Fiji.
Following a five-try output at Dubai Rugby Sevens and recognition for his improved offensive and defensive abilities, Baker scored five tries in South Africa to increase his Performance Tracker ranking to second. His 10 scores also helped him surpass Isles on the U.S.'s all-time try-scoring chart with a total of 86 put-downs in 21 tournaments.
"Perry was outstanding in the last two legs not only in attack but also his defensive work and efforts," Friday said, who called for Baker to be selected to the Cape Town Dream Team.
"He is proving to be a consistent performer on the circuit. This is not a question of luck but more the hard work and study of his craft in between tournaments and on the training pitch. His work ethic to be the best he can is still burning bright and long may it continue. He is maturing into a fine rugby player."
Though he led all Olympians in tries scored in Rio last summer, Isles has not made an appearance on the circuit since USA Sevens 10 months ago. Initially missing the Canadian leg of the 2015-16 season in an attempt to qualify as a track athlete at the Games, he aggravated an injury in Brazil that required ample recovery time. Third behind Baker and Zack Test in tries scored for the Eagles, the "Fastest Man in Rugby" will give Friday another threat in attack in a dangerous Pool C.
Thompson only just missed being ready for Rio after he had suffered a mid-season injury and was not available for the Dubai and Cape Town legs following a recovery setback, but the University of Arizona graduate is prepared to take the field this month. He will join Danny Barrett and Andrew Durutalo as experienced forwards in the team, having made his Series debut during the 2012-13 season.
Folau Niua and Stephen Tomasin led the attack and took over the goal-kicking for the Eagles in Cape Town with Hughes away from the squad, while Matai Leuta found his Series legs for the first time since the fourth round of the 2015-16 season in Dubai. They, along with the now-capped Don Pati and Olympian Martin Iosefo, regain their jersey numbers from December.
Kevon Williams provided a youthful exuberance to Friday's team in his debut tournaments for the Eagles, and showcased the speed and knowledge of the game he had previously put on display domestically. Isles reclaims the No.1 jersey, but the Denver Barbarian played himself into a tour spot with consistent and determined work in training.
"Kevon is an all-rounder who is capable of playing across the back line," Friday said. "He can bring additional speed, but he also has fast feet and acceleration as well as distribution. He has a very good character and work ethic,"
The Eagles are 6-5 thus far on the Series, holding an eighth-place ranking in the Standings on 18 points. They have the opportunity to distance themselves from France – also on 18 points – with a positive pool campaign in Wellington, which includes matches against fifth-ranked New Zealand and 2016 Paris Sevens Cup winner Samoa. The Kiwis won Cape Town's Bronze Final while France won the Challenge Trophy to carry momentum into this next tournament.
USA Sevens: Carlin Isles, Matai Leuta, Danny Barrett, Brett Thompson, Don Pati, Andrew Durutalo, Folau Niua, Kevon Williams, Stephen Tomasin, Madison Hughes, Perry Baker, Martin Iosefo
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