Grace Hamilton’s hard work has paid off.
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After a bucketload of work away from the paddock, an electric showing at the national championships and two superb performances in the inaugural Four Nations, the former Kinross student was named in the Wallaroos’ Rugby World Cup squad on Wednesday.
Despite copping a suspension from the first Four Nations Test against England and then returning from the bench in the third Hamilton did more than enough to impress the Australian coaches and selectors, booking her ticket to Ireland.
The 28-strong group comes together in Sydney at the end of July for a three-day camp before flying out for Ireland on August 1.
In their bid to improve on 2014’s seventh finish Hamilton and her Australian side, ranked sixth in the world, have drawn somewhat comfortably in pool C.
The Wallaroos take on hosts Ireland, then France and finally Japan in the preliminary stage – ranked fifth, fourth and 14th respectively.
"We have a really competitive pool with Ireland, France and Japan and we know that there's no such thing as an easy game at a World Cup,” Australian coach Paul Verrell said.
“We have had some solid preparation during our Test series in New Zealand earlier this month, and had the opportunity to blood some new talent at Test level.
"That tour in New Zealand really showed us the standard of the best three teams in the world and we know what we need to do to reach that level now, so it's time for the next generation of Wallaroos to really step up.”
By next generation, Verrell is referring to the distinct lack of international experience in his squad. He used the Four Nations as a chance to give a new-look group a taste before the World Cup.
Hamilton herself only has four caps, while 17 more of the squad have less than 10 appearances in green and gold. Two uncapped players, Mahalia Murphy and Trilleen Pomare have also been named.
Orange Emus’ stalwart Amanda Ferguson will manage the side, as she did in New Zealand.
The side went winless through its Four Nations campaign, losing 53-10 to England, 44-17 to New Zealand and 45-5 to Canada.
England and Spain open the World Cup, on August 9. Australia’s first game is the next day.
Matt Findlay
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
