Despite a second place finish in the World Series, the New Zealand women's seven team oozing in confidence ahead of the World Cup.
Fresh off a fourth straight tournament win in Paris, which included a Commonwealth Games gold medal, the New Zealand side has its sights firmly set on being crowned world champions in San Francisco next month.
Captain Sarah Goss told Newshub the squad was disappointed not to win the overall series, but felt they showed who's best when they blitzed Australia in the final 33-7.
"We knew the day before the final that Australia had sealed the win, but for us we were lucky to get the opportunity to play them the next day with a point to prove.
"We did ourselves proud winning by that much."
A costly first tournament in Dubai late last year ultimately gifted the title to Australia.
New Zealand crashed out in fifth place after a shock loss at the hands of the United States.
Goss said that was a turning point for her team.
"We have realised that we need to be on point every single game.
"If we let little things slip we can get into trouble.
"The girls have been amazing. We have had no real injuries so everyone has been pushing hard for spots and that's raised the bar for our team in terms of competition and that'll be the same at the World Cup."
But with a tricky World Cup format, Goss stressed that they won't be taking any opposition lightly at AT & T stadium.
World Rugby has implemented a straight knockout format for the showpiece event with New Zealand drawn against minnows Mexico in the opening round.
"We have to change a lot," Goss told Newshub.
"We have to keep raising the bar. The girls are going to go home and get some rest but come Monday we will be back into it."
Newshub.
