The fifth-ranked Australians host world No.4 Canada at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 10 months after copping a 45-7 shellacking in Ottawa en route to finishing third in last year's tournament.
Skipper Michaela Leonard believes much has changed since then and says the Wallaroos have been heartened by the fresh approach of new coach Jo Yapp since the former English international came on board this year.
Yapp and assistant coaches Chris Delooze and Sam Needs are encouraging the Wallaroos to back their attacking instincts.
"The environment that they've created so far has been really positive, really welcoming, allowing girls to try things express themselves," Leonard said on Friday.
"Definitely 'eyes up' footy, giving girls the freedom to express themselves and play their skill set and play the reason that's got them into this squad in the first place.
"So hopefully we'll see some fast footy, some expressive footy. We're looking to move the ball around a lot but hopefully play some really high-skilled footy as well."The Wallaroos haven't beaten Canada since 2014 but Saturday offers a huge opportunity to send a statement ahead of next year's World Cup in England as Yapp's side continue to build for the global showpiece on home soil in 2029.Â
"It's a perfect platform to see where we're standing," Leonard said.
"What work we need to do and I guess prove a point and show where we are at the moment and where we're willing to go and take it over the next two years."
Yapp has named three possible debutantes on the bench - 32-year-old ACT Brumbies prop Sally Fuesaina, teenage halfback Samantha Wood and her Western Force teammate, hooker Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke.
"Really excited for them," Leonard said.
"I hope they get the chance to get out there 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 those three players."
The backline features five NSW Waratahs, including halves Layne Morgan and Arabella McKenzie and prolific try-scoring wingers Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart, following their dominant unbeaten Super W season.
The four-team tournament also features defending champions New Zealand and the USA.
After Canada, the Wallaroos face the USA at Melbourne's AAMI Park on May 17 and New Zealand in Auckland on May 25.
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