The national Travelodge Spirit team and Australia A will play against each other on day one of Australia Pacific Cup, which runs from Thursday to Sunday at Sydney's Blacktown International Sportspark.

Selectors will announce the 23-player Australian Olympic squad after the February 3-5 Summer Slam series, also at Blacktown.

National coach Laing Harrow expects extra spice in Thursday's local derby.

"Really, we're here as one ... I'm a big believer that we're under the one banner," he said.

"It's exciting that we do have the depth of competition where we're going to keep pushing each other.

"(Thursday) will certainly bring out the competitive edge. It will be an opportunity for some bragging rights, I would say."

Pitchers Ellen Roberts and Steph Trzcinski, who will play for the Spirt at Blacktown, are making a strong push for national recalls after missing out on the team that dominated September's Olympic qualifying tournament in China.

Speedy utility Leah Parry (lower back) and shortstop Clare Warwick (hamstring) will miss the Australia Pacific Cup because of injury.

"We do have to look after them and give them every opportunity to make the squad and prepare for the Olympics," Harrow said.

World No.2 Japan, Mexico and Italy are the other teams confirmed for the Games who will compete this week, while Chinese Taipei and New Zealand are also taking part.

The Cup will feature four of the six nations qualified for Tokyo.

"It's going to give our girls an opportunity to perform - they're going to have to find another level and compete," Harrow said.

"We're probably going to learn a little bit more about ourselves.

"I hope they don't (feel it) but there is going to be a bit of pressure in the backs of the girls' minds."

Australian Associated Press