Cobie-Jane Morgan debuted for the Wallaroos in 2009, but the possibility of continuing to add to her Test tally is just as exciting as preparing for that first match.
Morgan was part of the Sydney team that went back-to-back at the Women’s nationals two weeks ago and is looking forward to showcasing her talent on the big stage in a Bledisloe Cup double-header, with the Wallaroos taking on the Black Ferns at Eden Park on October 22.
“It's awesome,” she said.
“We had a really good tournament at the Nationals last weekend with our Sydney side and it's just exciting what's ahead for the Wallaroos.
“Getting to play at the Bledisloe is just a great opportunity to showcase our national side.”
Fourteen players from the 2014 Rugby World Cup squad have been included in the extended squad of 35 for next month’s training camp on the Gold Coast, a number that will be whittled down to 26 for October’s New Zealand tour, but Morgan said it would be the performance of Australia’s fresh faces that will be the most critical a year out from the 2017 World Cup.
“Having the opportunity to play against one of the top three best teams in the world, it provides a lot of depth for our team and we get to experience playing against the best,” she said.
“If we can match their performance, it will signify where we are as a team going into the World Cup.
“It will give the girls who haven't played at a World Cup or haven't played at this level valuable experience, and they'll know how every game is very important over there, it's a must win.”
Morgan knows what it’s like performing at the top level, having represented the women’s national side in both the XVs and Sevens format, playing in front of packed stadiums in the latter and said the possibility of a big Bledisloe crowd would certainly teach the side plenty.
“The crowd will be over 30,000 and it's just great to just have those experiences,” she said, she said.
“I remember my first experience in Hong Kong for the Sevens, you couldn’t hear a word anyone was saying on the field and to have that experience leading into a World Cup is so important.”
The Wallaroos will take a three-match tour of New Zealand, with two Tests against the Black Ferns.
2016 Buildcorp Wallaroos Fixtures:
Wallaroos v Auckland XV- Tuesday 18 October
Wallaroos v Black Ferns- Saturday 22 October
Wallaroos v Black Ferns- Wednesday 26 October
