Georgina Friedrichs certainly enjoyed the Wallaroos' stunning opening result against Fijiana - but the outside centre would be the first to admit she would have enjoyed it more if she was on the paddock.
One of the most consistent players in gold since her debut in 2022, Friedrichs has had a stranglehold on the 13 jersey for the last number of years - before a finger injury saw her miss the opening clash in Fiji.
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Bienne Terita filled the void brilliantly, picking up two tries before an unfortunate hamstring injury - but Friedrichs is aware that she'll have to regain her form quickly, with the Sevens star likely hot on her tale for a World Cup spot.
"It's awesome," Friedrichs admitted candidly to reporters.
"The more competition we have, the more pressure to perform, the better we all get. Competition is great."
Returning against the Black Ferns will be a big step up for Friedrichs as well as the wider Wallaroos - but the Waratah outside centre will relish the opportuinity, with the fixture seeing her earn her 30th cap in gold.
"I definitely had FOMO last week, watching from home," Friedrichs laughed.
"I'm really excited to be back. [On the 30th cap], it feels like I just blinked and it's happened, but then you look back to 2022 and it feels like a long time ago."
Jo Yapp's side has aimed to focus on growth coming into the 2025 Pacific Four campaign, and while the Black Ferns will be heavy favourites, a focus on the progression of the side at large has been the key goal - especially with World Cup quarter finals a target the side will aim to reach.
"They're (New Zealand) obviously one of the pinnacles in the sport at the moment," Friedrichs admitted.
"It's always a big game against New Zealand, over the ditch rivals. But we've also got a World Cup to build towards. To have them, as well as other tests leading up to the World Cup is awesome preparation."
With a decent crowd turnout expected for the side, Friedrichs' aim is to make the most of momentum gained from the side's recent winning streak, and put their growing confidence to good use against a tougher opponent.
"I think [the Fiji win] was a really good starting position compared to where we've started previous years," Friedrichs added.
"We've of stepped up and not gone backwards.
"Hopefully the product that we produce shows the crowd what we can do."
