Wallaroos getting stuck in ahead of opener

Fri, Aug 4, 2017, 6:27 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
The Wallaroos have begun their on-campus training at University College Dublin ahead of their first match of the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup against Ireland. Hear from backrower Grace Hamilton.

The Wallaroos are hoping some serious sessions in the gym, along with some much needed work on their set piece, will hold them in good stead ahead of their World Cup opener against Ireland.

The squad has settled into its Dublin base and flanker Grace Hamilton told RUGBY.com.au a specialised approach to their gym work will add a physical edge come the first pool match.

"The gym work we have been doing is all about total body conditioning, now that we are over here," Hamilton said.

"It's based on our positions, so the backs are doing a lot of speed work and the forwards are doing more strength and power exercises.

"We're doing a lot of stuff on body shape, body height, lifting for our lineouts, leg drive and things like that.


"We are doing a lot of repetitions to push the boundaries so when we are getting tired, we know how much we can do to make it still work."

The Wallaroos set piece was of serious concern in the International Series earlier this year, with top teams New Zealand, England and Canada all dominating at both scrum and lineout time.

Hamilton said the squad had addressed that ahead of the August 10 opener.

"Our lineouts - we are going down to basics so everyone knows their role is of massive importance," Hamilton said.

"Now we are here we are going to knuckle down and do the hard yards.Hamilton and the Wallaroos have been putting in work. Photo: ARU Media"We have all got to be focused and there is just one job we have to do.

"It doesn't matter who is going to do it, we all have to have the same goal at the end of the day."

With some seasoned veterans coming together with World Cup rookies such as Hamilton, the squad has formed a tight bond as the enormity of the task sinks in.

"It's awesome, it's pretty surreal at the moment," Hamilton said.

"Getting that escort yesterday and then getting here and hearing all the accents over here has been a really good experience.

"A little bit nerve wracking but an exciting one, at that.

"Everyone is coming together well and we are coming together and building well."

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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