Wallaroos assistant coach Sam Needs is eager to test the depth of the squad ahead of the World Cup opener in just under two months.
Needs will coach an Australia A side filled with international experience against Samoa on Saturday in Canberra, the opposition they will face to kick-off their campaign in England.
Catch Australia A Women face Samoa live on Rugby.com.au on June 28.
Twelve out of the starting 15 have Wallaroo experience, with several further to come off the bench, including Sevens superstar Charlotte Caslick.
Former skipper Piper Duck makes her return from injury and is one of several players eager to press their selection claims, with just three Tests left before the World Cup squad is announced after the Wales series.
"Our mindset this whole week has been we're approaching it like it's a Test in terms of all of our preparations and trainings," Needs explained to Rugby.com.au.
"We've got players that are coming back from injury mixed with players that have never represented their country before.
"I think that mix of experience and inexperience is going to give us a good indication of exactly where we're at and the depth that we've grown over the past 18 months in particular."
The return of Duck is a significant boost for the group, following her ongoing battles with injuries.
The Waratah will join club teammates Emily Chancellor and Ruby Anderson in a bid to go to her second World Cup.
"It's awesome to see her back considering the injuries that she's gone through and how she's approached that with the positive mindset she's had," Needs believes.
“We’re excited to see her return and really happy for her to get the opportunity to run out in the A jersey.
"It's a really tight group and the fact that we've had a number of girls come back from long-term injuries, it's something that we really celebrate when they’re back in the squad. Everyone's gotten around her and I know she's really excited at the opportunity."
The corresponding fixture last year ended in a Samoan win after a long-range penalty after the siren in Apia.
There are seven returning from that game, with the likes of Ruby Anderson and Faliki Pohiva going on to debut for the Wallaroos.
"This fixture is massively important. I think the depth that we've been looking to grow over the past 18 months is going to open up opportunities for some of these girls," Needs added.
"Some of the girls were only involved in the A game last year and a few have then gone on to either debut already this year or looking to get into this A game for the potential to get into July and New Zealand and Wales games.
"I think they're really important and from a coach's perspective. The match allows us to look at different combinations and see players in different positions that we might want to consider.”
