A Wallaroos squad of self-described "professional amateurs" are targeting a top four position at this month's Women's Rugby World Cup in Ireland, despite unflattering recent results.
Australia play Ireland first up next week after being drawn in the same group as the hosts, France and Japan.
Only the top nation in each pool and the best-performed second-placed side will advance to the semis and a shot at winning the 12-team tournament.
France are ranked fourth in the world, Ireland fifth and Australia sixth, with Asian champions Japan down in 14th spot.
The Wallaroos squad of 28 is captained by Shannon Parry one of two Rio Olympic sevens gold medallists in the party, along with Sharni Williams.
"I think with the mix of sevens girls who have come in and a bit of experience, and some younger girls, we've got a good side," Wallaroos coach Paul Verrell said before the squad left Australia on Tuesday.
"Looking at the pool games we've got, I've done a lot of analysis and I definitely think we can top that pool and go through to the top four."
The Wallaroos found it hard going against the top three ranked nations in a tournament in New Zealand earlier this year.
They were crushed 53-10 by defending world champions England, lost 44-17 to world No.2 New Zealand and went down 45-5 to third-ranked Canada.
Parry was adamant his team would be competitive if they ran into those top nations again in the knockout stages.
"We do have a very young squad, there's no doubt about that," Parry said.
"We're probably a little bit light on Test match experience, but in saying that we've got a very strong leadership group that has a lot of experience under their belts."
Parry was happy to embrace the underdog tag, saying Australians thrived in that situation and they felt under no pressure.
Unlike many national women's sporting teams the Wallaroos are making financial sacrifices to represent their country.
'We want to be know as professional amateurs, we want to be seen as a united squad, we want be well respected at the World Cup,' Parry said.
"There's very much a strong, passionate pride among this group and they have to take leave without pay.
"To these girls this jersey means a lot."
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