The Wallaroos have been given license to be sensational as they seek revenge and a successful start to the Pacific Four rugby series in Sydney.
The fifth-seeded Australians host the world No. 4 Canada at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 10 months after beating Ottawa 45-7 en route to a third-place finish in 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 we'll play some high skill balls as well.”
The Wallaroos haven't beaten Canada since 2014, but Saturday offers a great opportunity to make a statement ahead of next year's World Cup. England As YAP continues to build for a home World Championship 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 the defending champions New Zealand And the United States of America.
after CanadaThe Wallaroos will face the USA at Melbourne Park on May 17 and New Zealand in Auckland on May 25.
