Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp admits the strength of their back-row has eased their minds about rushing back captain Siokapesi Palu for Sunday’s (AEST) clash with the USA.
Back-rower Palu was originally targeted for the must-win game against the Eagles after a nasty injury in the O’Reilly Cup last month.
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However, the flanker, who just returned to full training at the start of the week, will likely return for the final group stage match against world number one England.
“She's been integrated in this week. As it stands, we're just looking at continuing to give her another week of training under her belt before the potential to include her against England,” Yapp said.
“We always wanted for her to be back for this game in case, for example, we picked up a knock in the first couple of weeks of training or in the Samoa game. Everyone has come through fit and ready, and 'Pesi' is very team first, and we had a really good conversation about it, so she completely gets it.
“She's still there supporting the team as a leader and as a person, so having her in camp has been really valuable.”
It comes after inspired performances from Emily Chancellor, Piper Duck and Tabua Tuinakauvadra.
The trio combined for just under 60 tackles, with number eight Tuinakauvadra one of the Wallaroos’ best in their pre-World Cup series against Wales.
“The back row were excellent last week and with a player that's returning from injury, they're always on some form of managed game time and with not having a huge amount of load under her belt at this point, we didn't feel the need to put her out there,” Yapp said.
Yapp has kept the team settled from their 73-0 white-wash of Samoa, with just changes to the front-row in hooker Tania Naden and Bridie O’Gorman.
“We're in a really fortunate position around our front row that we can have that element of rotation as well in terms of keeping players fresh,” Yapp said.
“Bridie came off the bench, and then Tania, we know, has a lot of experience in Test matches, so it’s good to have that experience.”
