Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp insists there will be no split loyalties as she plans to take down her old side, England, in Brighton on Sunday (AEST).
It will be the first time the legendary former skipper will face her old side, featuring in 70 Tests for the Red Roses.
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Along with this, Yapp has served as coach in some capacity for the majority of the 23 named for the clash throughout the pathways.
This includes English backrower and captain Alex Matthews, whom Yapp coached during her time at Worcester Women.
“I do [know a lot of the English well], having coached quite a few obviously through the pathway with England, but for us, the way we've approached it is the same as we've approached any other game. Nothing's changed from that perspective,” she said.
“I think straight away we look at the lead up and the games building up to it and straight away my mind went into that rather than the specific that it was England….These were under 20s when I coached them so it's been a few years.”
Yapp’s focus has been on steadying the side after a rollercoaster draw to the USA threw their World Cup campaign into uncertainty.
Four tries against England would be enough for a bonus point, win or loss, to advance to the quarter-finals, although a sizeable points difference compared to America gives them a significant advantage.
“It was a slightly different scenario than what we thought we'd be facing because ultimately after a game you kind of know either way and the not knowing,” she admits.
“We spent some time on Sunday evening as a group just going through all the scenarios and putting everything out on the table for the players so they know exactly like what is required for us obviously to qualify.
“From that point on, we put that to one side and now we just focus on our normal test week because we know what we need to do.
“…We obviously are aware of [the permutations around the bonus point] so if it comes later in the game and there's decisions to be made we'll make sure those messages go on to players. Ultimately, we have to focus on what we can control in terms of our own performances and what we need to do to be able to perform, and then everything else, as the game goes on, we can get the right messages out to players.”
