Connolly's World Cup back-up plan

A shadow squad, stand-by players and much-needed game-time in the inaugural Australian Rugby Championships, are all part of Wallabies coach John Connolly's World Cup master-plan.

While the 30-man Wallabies squad may have been announced in Brisbane on Monday night, the veteran coach appears to have every base covered in the lead up to the World Cup opener against Japan on September 8.

"We've probably pencilled in three (stand-by) players and we'll be contacting those players in the next day or so," Connolly said on Tuesday.

"We'll also pick a shadow squad and their states will be notified early next week, and we've also nominated a number of players (from within the squad) who will be told in the next 24 to 48 hours who will be playing in the ARC."

Connolly, who has consistently emphasised the need to create a strong squad ahead of the code's biggest tournament, remains adamant that every player selected has a role to play.

And while the veteran coach could not rule out the possibility that some players may not even take the field in France, he is adamant the squad will function as a solid unit throughout.

"It's an opportunity of a lifetime for some of these guys, something that will never happen again; to be a part of this group, a part of an opportunity to go to a World Cup," Connolly said.

"I wouldn't think there will be any concerns whatsoever in terms of everyone being on the one page."

"Some players may not get a game … but they're part of the group so I don't think it's a concern," he said.

The Wallabies will assemble in Sydney on Tuesday for the first of three Australian-based training camps in the lead up to 2007 Rugby World Cup.