Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning is stressing the importance of a disciplined performance as they look to take it to the Black Ferns on Saturday.
A full house is expected at Eden Park for the Rugby World Cup opener, headlined by the trans-Tasman tussle.
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After three Tests in the space of three months against the Kiwis, both teams are familiar with what the other is going to bring.
For the visitors, discipline is key according to Tregonning, having conceded 17 penalties in two of those defeats.
Whilst aspects of those performances provide hope, the Wallaroos understand the importance of tightening their game and starting strong if they wish to be competitive.
“We’ve worked hard on (discipline). At the referees’ briefing, a lot of the things they were raising actually had our clips they were showing that we could’ve been better at,” he told reporters.
“I’ve been running up and down the field calling people offside (at training) and we’re trying to have that big focus on discipline and that’s going to be key to securing an equal amount of possession this week.
“We’ve played them three times and we're competitive in two (games), the one we weren’t, our discipline and speed around the corner wasn’t there. In Adelaide, we were really good there and also our physicality but our discipline was still letting us down.”
The Wallaroos have deflected any talk of pressure on their opposition, despite a ‘blackout’ awaiting them.
It’s not a mark of arrogance, but rather knowledge there is little expectation for their first win over the Black Ferns to come on such a stage.
It’s something Tregonning is relishing and hoping the squad would harness energy from.
“Absolutely, from our point of view the Wallaroos have never beaten the Black Ferns, we’ve got this awesome opportunity for a group of Wallaroos to experience this venue at a large capacity,” he believes when asked if the pressure was on the Kiwis.
“Some have experienced facing the Black Ferns there but nothing like the experience that awaits them. I’m really excited for the players to use that energy but from our point of view, we don’t feel like there’s any pressure at all.
“We’ve had that goal for throughout the year, we’ve had a few milestones but not victory. That first game in Pac Four was the first time we led them ever at half-time, couldn’t go through with it.
“Our main goal is obviously to beat the Black Ferns and we’re putting in place things to do so.”
Since their last encounter, the squad have added a valuable addition in Sharni Williams to the backline.
Whilst the combinations with the likes of former Sevens teammate Georgina Friedrichs and Arabella McKenzie will take time, Tregonning backed Williams to shine.
“She’s value-added on and off the field as we thought she would,” Tregonning added.
“We feel it’s good for her to get this game under the belt for the rest of the campaign.
“No selection within these squad is simple, everyone has been really competitive which is great.”
