Wallaroos building collective culture: Williams

Thu, Aug 3, 2017, 3:34 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips

It took no less than 36 hours to get from Sydney to Dublin but the Wallaroos have settled in as preparations for the World Cup ramp up.

Sharni Williams is one of several Australian Sevens stars that has been granted a release so she can represent her country in XVs and there was no hiding her excitement upon arrival - particularly with the police escort that greeted the squad in Ireland.

"It's been a massive day and a very exciting day - my first ever police escort," Williams said in good spirits.

"The preparation part and finding your surroundings is a massive part of it.

"That's something we need to set in place to look forward to our game against Ireland."


As an Aussie Sevens veteran Williams is used to travelling around the world while preparing her body for the rigours of international rugby and she highlighted that as the most important part of the team's preparation in the coming days.

"Getting our surroundings and finding out where things are helps with that preparation and getting that confidence," she said.

"Getting ourselves into the pool and getting our recovery underway was really good today.

"Getting used to our roomies and finding out who snores is all part of that preparation."Sharni Williams will be critical to any Wallaroos success. Photo: Getty ImagesWilliams also offered some astute thoughts on the squad's time together at Narrabeen.

"It was really beneficial," she said.

"We really worked on the culture side of things, finding out what our goal is for this tournament, as a collective.

"Finding out the why's - why do we put this jersey on for each other?

"I think that was really crucial for us and gives us the trust and belief to go out on that paddock and fight for each other."

The Wallaroos kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign on August 10 against Ireland at UCD Bowl, kicking off at 4am AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS.

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