You'd forgive Eva Karpani for getting a little emotional as the prop becomes the first South Australian to bring up 50 Test caps.
Karpani has come a long way from her Sevens days playing for Adelaide Uni, and is set to become the second player to reach the half century mark when she comes off the bench against Scotland in Canberra.
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"It's pretty surreal, and I'm completely honoured but also very excited to have another opportunity to put this jersey on," she told reporters.
"When I debuted [for the Wallaroos], it was my first year as a tighthead prop so little Eva would be so proud. I've come a long way."
Karpani first came onto the radar during the Uni 7s, featuring in Rugby Sevens teams alongside Olympic gold medallists Charlotte Caslick and Emma Verran (nee Tonegato), before transitioning to XVs.
A move to Sydney beckoned, and she debuted against Japan in 2019. Since then, the prop has become a consistent member of the side alongside lock Michaela Leonard, who pipped Karpani to the 50-game mark.
As Karpani has refined her craft, the Sevens skills have remained, averaging just over a try every three games, a freakish strike rate for a prop.
Only wingers Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart have scored more tries for the Wallaroos, sitting at 16 Test tries after her last minute effort against Scotland last weekend.
Coach Mike Ruthven has watched Karpani grow during her time with the Waratahs and Wallaroos, marvelling at her talent.
"She's an incredibly infectious member of the group, works really hard, incredible scrummager," Ruthven said.
"Hoping for a really big impact from her in her 50th test....50 tests in the women's space is an incredible milestone for her to be able to do that in the front row as well, is probably a credit to her."
Karpani is proud of her roots, playing for Southern Suburbs just outside Adelaide as one of the few from the state to pull on the gold jersey.
Loosehead prop Jim Roxburgh played nine Tests for the Wallabies in the 1960s, with Peter Kay getting on for a Test in 1988. Mieke Fortune also played 10 Tests for the Wallaroos and went to two World Cups, among others to represent Australia in rugby union.
The pathways are growing in South Australia, with the Western Force setting up an Academy at the start of the year.
Karpani is hoping she can be inspiration and proof that anything can happen if you follow your dreams.
"I take so much pride and I hope it continues to inspire the next generation, especially young girls and boys from South Australia," she said on her roots.
"From being from a small state and predominantly being AFL and netball, I hope that more girls come through these ranks and I can inspire them to continue to want to do this pathway of rugby.
"My biggest advice is trust yourself before anyone else and also dreams do come true. I think playing for Australia is a pretty cool dream to have.
"I think just knuckle down and [know] you'll have your village there to support you, it'll get you through it. There are highs and lows, but at the end of the day, I promise you, it is worth it."
