Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock has promised his team will do everything in their power to seal a record third Rugby World Cup in France.

Speaking at an emotional farewell ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday Mortlock told the Wallabies faithful his squad is primed for next-month's tournament in France.

"The team is really looking forward to the challenge of this World Cup," Mortlock said.

"It's a very special occasion for the team and we are very proud to be representing our fans and the rest of the nation in one of the World's premier sporting events," Mortlock said.

Mortlock also said his squad has the right blend of youth and experience to feature at the business end of the tournament.

"The team has worked extremely hard over the last two years to prepare for this World Cup and we're very confident that we've got an excellent mix in this talented squad."

"Fourteen of our players have played in past rugby World Cups and I've got no doubt that experience will hold us in good stead in this World Cup."

"I know that the belief is in this team and hopefully we can bring back Bill," Mortlock said.

Prime Minister John Howard, an unabashed Wallabies' fanatic, was also on hand with a message of support.

"This team if I can say so is coming good just at the right time and with the right momentum," Howard said.

"None of us who follow rugby pretend that it's going to be easy but the great thing about Australian rugby teams, indeed the great thing about all Australian teams is that no matter what challenges they face or what adversity they might encounter they never give up."

"I know, you know, we all know that this team will uphold the best traditions of Australian rugby."

"They will play they're hearts out, they will no that they've been well prepared and they will do this nation proud and we're very quietly confident -not just hopeful - we're quietly confident about the ultimate result."

The Wallabies depart for Portugal on Thursday for an intensive seven-day training -camp before setting up base in Montpellier ahead of their opening clash against Japan on September 8.

Sportal