The Wallaroos today started their final preparation camp before next month’s IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen.
After playing two Tests as part of a Tri-Nations tournament in New Zealand in June, the Wallaroos will focus their final training sessions on finishing more scoring opportunities in next month’s World Cup in Paris.
Wallaroos Head Coach Paul Verrell is looking forward to an intense week of camp.
“It’s going to be great to have the entire squad back in Sydney.
“The team has been strictly adhering to our training program since the Tri-Nations and we’re very confident in a dramatic improvement on our last two results.
“We debuted thirteen players in the Tri-Nations series which has given those players a taste of the standard expected at international level.
“With the experienced Qantas Women’s Sevens trio of Shannon Parry, Sharni Williams and Cobie-Jane Morgan returning to the side, it will strengthen our depth as a squad.”
Australia finished third at the most recent Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2010 and this year will be seeking to the first Australian side to win the tournament.
Canberra-based player and mother-of-two, Louise Burrows has been honing her skills in the position of hooker with special one on one training sessions with injured Qantas Wallaby Stephen Moore.
“Stephen has been incredibly generous with his time with multiple sessions throughout the year and even recently despite his injury.
“I have learnt a lot from him and it has certainly enhanced my scrummaging and line out skills.
“I really can’t wait to get back into the Wallaroos camp and for the hard work that comes from a World Cup campaign.”
The Wallaroos have been drawn alongside South Africa, Wales and home nation, France in Pool C.
The IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup starts in Paris on Friday 1 August.
Australia v South Africa, 11.45pm AEST Friday 1 August
Australia v Wales, 11:00pm AEST Tuesday 5 August
Australia v France, 4.45am AEST Sunday 10 August
