'I don't think for one minute they resent it': Injury setback in bid to supercharge Rugby World Cup team
A spate of injuries has complicated the bid to supercharge the Wallaroos with an influx of Australian sevens star power.
Nine of Australia's women's sevens squad have put their hand up for Wallaroos selection at the Rugby World Cup in England in August-September.
They will be available for some Super Rugby Women's games this season in between their sevens commitments.
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Maddison Levi of Australia breaks away from Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe of Ireland. Getty
The original plan was for the nine to play sevens in Vancouver this weekend then return to Australia for rounds two and three of Super Rugby.
But Maddison Levi (thumb), Sariah Paki (calf) and Bienne Terita (hamstring) will all miss Vancouver and are hoping for a Hong Kong Sevens return on March 28.
Their Super Rugby participation is now clouded.
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The 2025 Super Rugby Women's season launch at North Sydney Oval. Getty
"We're crossing over at the minute with s and c (strength and conditioning) staff and medical to make sure as we know we've got some with injuries," Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp told reporters at Wednesday's Super Rugby launch at North Sydney Oval.
"What we're trying to be is really transparent with the 15s girls from the start. I think it's really important.
"We've always said we're not just going to fly somebody in a week before the World Cup, but at the same time we need to work with them all individually. And I think the (Wallaroos) girls, I don't think for one minute they resent it.
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"They see that actually the increasing the depth in our program is nothing but a good thing, and you can see actually already some of the girls have already stepped up because competition for places is a good thing."
Maddison and Teagan Levi have signed on with the Queensland Reds, along with Charlotte Caslick, Isabella Nasser and Kahli Henwood.
Terita, Demi Hayes and Tia Hinds are headed to the ACT Brumbies, while Paki has linked with the NSW Waratahs.
Bienne Terita of Australia at HBF Park. Getty
"It's very much on an individual basis, so we know that the ones that are currently fit will definitely get those two games," Yapp said.
"And then we're going to re-evaluate that on the back of those two games as to how much more they can get.
"And then obviously some of them are returning from injury, so that's going to be very dependent on their return from injury.
Piper Duck of the NSW Waratahs and Bitila Tawake of the Fijian Drua. Getty
"It's not going to be yes, all nine are going to come in and take over.
"That's not realistic. They're competing for places."
The Super Rugby competition kicks off on February 28 with a grand final rematch between the defending champion Waratahs and Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium.
