Australia captains Bella Nasser and Henry Hutchison feel the confidence of being back on home soil as they prepare for this week’s Perth SVNS at HBF Park.
The two skippers were centre stage as they soaked in the scorching Perth sun, with temperatures reaching close to 40 degrees over the past three days.
Watch every match of this week's Perth SVNS live and on-demand exclusively on Stan Sport.
The women’s side enters as one of the favourites after their Dubai success last month, looking for their first win in Australia since 2018.
“Everyone’s really excited to play on home soil,” Nasser said.
“Our preparation has been really good so everyone is excited to take the field.
“…It’s been a while since we won at home and I think for a lot of us it’s our first or second time playing in Australia for Australia so it builds the pressure of having friends and family in the crowd.
“We’re remaining focused on our own bubble and taking in the energy. Hopefully, we can execute a good game.”
As for the men, they are boosted by the arrival of new coach Liam Barry, taking over from John Manenti for the first time.
Hutchison was impressed with what the former All Black has brought into the squad, who have welcomed back experienced duo Maurice Longbottom and Josh Turner.
“He’s brought in a lot and it’s fresh eyes on the program and our skills,” he notes. “He’s put a lot of accountability on our decision-making on the field. We were a bit sloppy on the field, especially in Cape Town where were making poor decisions at the wrong time which were skill or momentum options.
“We need to know and do what the right thing to do is at the right time so there’s been a big focus on that and hopefully it’ll pay off this week in Perth.
“…The squad got the balance right of the excitement of playing at home but not getting overwhelmed by it.”
The tournament kicks off on January 24, with the men kicking off the action for the hosts against Argentina (2:01 pm AWST) before the women face China (2:45 pm).
