Wallabies kick off World Cup preparations in Canberra
Wallabies kick off World Cup preparations in Canberra
January 03, 2007 - 8:11pm
Story by: ARU
A 47-man Qantas Wallabies World Cup training squad assembled in Canberra today for the first day of a 3-day camp to open preparations for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.
With just nine months remaining before the kick off to rugby's showcase event, the Wallaby training squad is in camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to undergo a series of physical tests and an orientation program ahead of the 2007 season.
Included in the squad are three players who are making their first appearance in a Wallabies squad, including Reds prop Ben Coutts, Reds flyhalf Berrick Barnes and Brumbies flanker Julian Salvi.
Qantas Wallabies Coach John Connolly said that the anticipation for the new rugby season was growing among the players.
“Everyone is looking forward the year ahead, with so much rugby to be played between now and the World Cup,” said Connolly.
Connolly said that the camp would provide a springboard for the Wallabies' World Cup preparations.
“The camp will give us a starting point. We've got a large squad of players and it's important we find out were they're at physically so that we can set their programs for the rest of the year,” said Connolly
“We'll be liaising with the four State Unions after the camp and they will work with the players to ensure that they're getting the best preparation for the year ahead,” he said.
Connolly believes that the players' physical preparation will have a significant baring on the team's World Cup chances.
“Players are playing more rugby than ever before when you look at the Super 14, the domestic Test matches, the Tri Nations and (Australia A's) involvement in the Pacific Nations Cup,” he said.
“With a heavy schedule like that in mind it makes their physical preparation vitally important,” he said.
“The aim is to have them peaking in time for the World Cup.”
The camp continues tomorrow (Thursday 4 January), where the squad will undergo running tests at the AIS.
