After “about 1000” views of the game tape of France downing the Black Ferns last month, Wallaroos coach Dwayne Nestor has highlighted the need for his forward pack to get tough in their opening clash in Perth on Saturday.
“We know our tight five and our back row are going to have to bash into some hard walls,” Nestor said.
"But they’re certainly up for it. They’re grinning from ear to ear for that challenge.”
Nestor talked up the forward battle after he named his first Test team in the Laurie O’Neill Memorial Trophy series against New Zealand, which will be played this week and next in double-headers with the Bledisloe Cup.
After experimenting with front rows in the recent Japan series, Nestor has gone for experience and form, recalling Evelyn Horomia and abrasive ex-skipper Liz Patu into the front row.
TEAM NEWS: PATU RETURNS TO STARTING SIDE
The only other change was Georgia Cormick starting at halfback, with Cobie-Jane Morgan not available.
The Wallaroos have never beaten the Black Ferns but they enter the first Test feeling as buoyant as ever, having completed a valuable two-Test series against Japan last month.
But they’re also emboldened by the fact France took down the world no.1 Black Ferns in the Super Series in the US last month; making it back-to-back wins by the French over the Kiwis.
"They did, didn’t they?” Nestor joked when the French win was raised at a media conference.
Have you watched it?
"Only about 1000 times,” Nestor said.
“No, the Super series footage was good, seeing the French and what they did to them.
"It gave us a couple of ideas and I think the final (of New Zealand) against the English also gave us some hints as to what we could do against the Black Ferns.
"We have focused on what we can do though, because they could come to this game with a completely different gameplan. So a lot of our prep has been focussed on what we can do, both in attack and defence, so defensively we have some plans which will hopefully work.”
Quizzed as to whether there were any similarities between Australia’s game and the French, Nestor said there were definitely shared elements, particularly in the forwards.
"There are - the French have some big girls up front, some powerful girls, which we have got,”
"And if you look at our team as it has developed over the last few years, we have probably become quite a bit more athletic in the tight five. So there are some comparisons there.”
Nestor said the chance to enter a Black Ferns series with games under the belt, and the best part of a month in camp together, would be hugely beneficial.
"We are in a better place after Japan,” Nestor said.
"We are really developing well and the girls are coming together well. For us it is about getting some consistency among the squad, not only on the field but off the field.
"So from our structure and our systems we are definitely better in that respect but also just a tighter team as well.
"It’s a team sport that relies a lot on collisions and that takes a bit of trust in each other.
"In terms of preparation, it’s essential for us.
"Going in cold last year against the Black Ferns, I don’t think we gave ourselves as good a chance. But the Test schedule we have leading up to the World Cup is getting better and better so that for us is essential.”
The Wallabies take on New Zealand at Optus Stadium, Perth, on Saturday August 10, kicking off at 5;45pm local, 7;45pm AEST, with the Wallaroos-Black Ferns kicking off at 3pm local, 5pm AEST. The Wallabies are LIVE on Network Ten, FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and RUGBY.com.au RADIO while the Wallaroos will be shown on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
