Australia
Hard work the theme of Wallabies' Notre Dame camp
Sam Bruce in South Bend, Indiana
September 2, 2015
Wallabies first training session at Notre Dame

The Wallabies are being put through their paces at a brutal training camp at Notre Dame University ahead of this weekend's clash with the United States in Chicago.

Toulon duo Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell both said the foreign surroundings hadn't altered coach Michael Cheika's notoriously physical approach, and may have actually brought about an increase in contact as the Wallabies put the final touches on their Rugby World Cup preparations.

Talking exclusively to ESPN on the Wallabies' day off, Mitchell said the squad had been sweating it out in some "full-on" sessions.

Ruck'n Maul: No time for experimentation in USA
%]

"It's been good, hard and fast, but we're really getting through some quality work," Mitchell told ESPN. "It was great to have the build-up at home and the send-off in Sydney, but coming away to the States has given us the chance to really knuckle down without the distractions, and focus on our rugby."

The Wallabies have had - and will continue to do so when they return from Chicago after Saturday night's (Sunday morning AEST) Test against the Eagles - access to Notre Dame's world-class athletic facilities which Giteau said had allowed the squad to get through a "large volume" or work.

"It's been great. We're certainly not having a holiday, it's been all about training apart from today," Giteau told ESPN. "Having all the facilities, from training fields, the gym, the pool; Notre Dame has given us the chance to work in the one spot and not lose time moving from place to place. The facilities here are first rate, but Cheik is certainly making sure we make the most of them."

Play ESPNfootytips Rugby World Cup Tipping

The one-off Test with the Eagles is the Wallabies' final hit-out before they face the Fiji in their World Cup opener in Cardiff on September 23. A number of positions remain up for grabs with only the likes of skipper Stephen Moore, full-back Israel Folau and winger Adam Ashley-Cooper assured of starting spots.

One of the biggest problems to come out of the Rugby Championship, and return Bledisloe Cup clash, was the lineout; the Australians giving up valuable ball on their own throw.

Still, Mitchell said the squad hadn't been focusing on any one area in particular at Notre Dame, and had instead taken a more holistic approach so that every player was aware of their individual expectations and how that formed part of the Wallabies' wider approach.

Up close and personal with the Wallabies
%]

"We've been covering a variety of areas; there have been a lot of short, sharp sessions at high intensity," Mitchell said. "Cheik has been running things at a really high tempo, and the squad has responded well. Obviously we're working in conditions that won't resemble what we're facing at the World Cup, but it is certainly having a positive impact on our fitness.

"In terms of the specifics, I wouldn't say one area has been dedicated more focus than any other. It's been a solid, well-rounded few days."

The Wallabies head up to Chicago on Thursday afternoon (local time) and will have their captain's run on Friday morning at Soldier Field. They will become the second major rugby nation to play at the venue after the All Blacks thrashed the Eagles 74-6 in November last year.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.