The fifth-seeded Australians host world No. 4 Canada at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 10 months after overcoming Ottawa 45-7 en route to a third-place finish at last year's tournament.
Skipper Michaela Leonard believes a lot has changed since then and says the Wallaroos have been encouraged by new coach Joe Yap's fresh approach since the former England international joined the team this year.
Yap and assistant coaches Chris DeLuz and Sam Needs are encouraging the Wallaroos to back their attacking instincts.
“The environment they've created so far has been really positive and really welcoming, allowing the girls to try things to express themselves,” Leonard said Friday.
“Eyes Up soccer definitely gives girls the freedom to express themselves and play their skill set and play why they wanted to be on this team in the first place.
“So hopefully we'll see some fast balls, some expressive balls. We're looking to move the ball a lot but hopefully play some high skill balls as well.” It presents a great opportunity to make a statement ahead of next year's World Cup in England, as YAP's side continue to build for a world championship on home soil in 2029.
“It's the perfect platform to see where we stand,” Leonard said.
“What work do we have to do and I think it proves a point and shows where we are at the moment and where we are ready to go over the next two years.”
Yap has named three potential debutants on the bench – 32-year-old ACT Brumbies prop Sally Vuysaina, teenage fullback Samantha Wood and her Western Force teammate, Hira Barb hooker Malcolm Hickey.
“Really excited for them,” Leonard said.
“Hopefully they have the opportunity to go out this weekend, but it's just the beginning for them and we'll see a lot of growth over the next couple of years with these three players.”
The backline features five NSW Waratahs, including halves Layne Morgan and Arabella McKenzie and standout goal-scoring wingers Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart, following a dominant unbeaten Super W season.
The four-team tournament also includes defending champions New Zealand and the United States of America.
After Canada, the Wallaroo will face the United States at Amy Park in Melbourne on May 17, then New Zealand in Auckland on May 25.
