Heather Payne hoping to take inspiration from schoolmate Beibhinn Parsons' lead in wing battle

Republic of Ireland full-back Heather Payne is taking inspiration from Ireland rugby flyer, and old schoolmate, Beibhinn Parsons as she prepares to face Australia's lightning quick wide players in Sydney on Thursday.

Payne has been converted to a marauding wing-back in the last few months having previously soldiered as a lone striker.

She will be tasked with stopping the likes of Cortnee Vine, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso at the 83,500-capacity Accor Stadium - each one of them loaded with speed and skill.

Payne hails from the same part of Ballinasloe as jet-heeled Ireland wing Parsons, and admitted she'll need to muster similar pace to halt the Matildas.

"I went to the same school as Beibhinn, primary and secondary," said Payne.

"She would have been two years below me, but I know her. She was always a bit younger than me. In school and stuff we played together, but mainly probably in the Community Games I would have seen her a few times. She is very athletic, she would always win the underage races, the 100m sprints and stuff. She is next level."

Ireland are facing an enormous task against the Aussies. Tony Gustavsson has added real depth to his squad, underlined by the fact he could call on Fowler off the the bench against France last Friday, her goal earning them an impressive 1-0 win.

"I was just watching some of the France and Australia game yesterday and their wingers are very quick," said Payne.

"But with our five at the back, we nearly have the two centre-backs covering the wide players more than me at times. So I was just focusing on them but also the full-backs, because the full-backs will probably be pushing high, and me and Katie [McCabe] will probably try to push onto them.

"They have speed, they have a