"They're flesh and bone, just like us."
That's the message from Wallaroos vice-captain Rebecca Clough as they try to defeat world champions New Zealand for the first time on Saturday.
The Wallaroos are looking to beat New Zealand for the first time on Saturday,
A new-look Wallaroos side full of rookies are preparing for the biggest game of their careers, in a historic double-header at ANZ Stadium.
Australia will host the Black Ferns in a Bledisloe Cup curtain-raiser for the first time and veteran lock Clough said all the pressure is on the Kiwis.
The Wallaroos are winless in 15 attempts against New Zealand but Clough said they're "definitely" closing the gap on their Trans-Tasman rivals.
"They’re flesh and bone just like us and we’ve got a huge point to prove. We know we’re better than our ranking of sixth in the world," Clough said.
"They are No. 1 for a reason but they've got everything to lose and we've got nothing to lose. We’re really pumped and hell yeah we can get it done.
"We’ve got a lot debutants but so do they. We’ve just got to rise to the occasion and not let the big night get to us. We’re up for the challenge.
"[It's my] first time playing a Test match on home soil, I couldn't be prouder and we’re ready to rip in. Getting to play before a Bledisloe, you can't ask for much more."
Shanice Parker could follow in the green and gold footsteps of her Jillaroos mother Danielle, if she gets the nod for a Test debut this week.
The 20-year-old said she'll draw on her Super W grand final experience if called into the Test arena, but the NSW winger admitted it was a nerve-wracking concept.
"It would be an awesome debut playing against the best in the world and I’m already nervous just thinking about it," Parker said.
"Even if I don’t get in the 23 I’m privileged to be in this squad and make history. Mum was Jillaroo at the 2000 World Cup… I'm trying to follow in her footsteps.
"From a young age I knew I had a passion for rugby, I tried basketball and athletics but rugby has been the pathway for me. And there are so many pathways for me compared to mum, she had nothing, so I’m just so grateful.
"My mum was always supportive. She just taught me to be a mongrel and physical. I'm a back and she was a forward so she loves it when I get in there."
The Wallabies are also trying to reverse their shortcomings against New Zealand. It's been 16 years since they beat the All Blacks over the series and lifted the Bledisloe Cup.
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