A determined Black Ferns come together this weekend for final prepartions ahead of the long journey to Ireland for next month's 2017 Rugby World Cup.
The team has an impressive history in the competition having won in 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010, and the 28-strong squad are determined to add a fifth.
The Black Ferns are the second favourites and their main competition is set to come from the 1994 and 2014 winners, England, who are also this year's favourites.
Long time captain, Fiao'o Fa'amauusili who debuted for the Black Ferns back in 2002 will be playing in her fifth and last World Cup.
The 36 year old, who works as a Detective Constable in the Counties Manukau area, has 47 caps to her name and is determined to go out on a high.
Fa'amauusili acknowledged that the England side have the advantage of being paid professionals, but she will not use that as an excuse.
Most of the Black Ferns have to work or study as well as train and play at the highest level, but that only makes them fight harder, Fa'amauusili told Checkpoint with John Campbell.
"That's what creates us. The way it's been done in the past, that's what's made us stronger."
"I make sure our team is based around family. So we bring our family morals into the team in that we know we fight for each other."
Fa'amauusili said England paying its female players was a good example for other countries but she refused to get hung up on who was paid and who was not.
"Seeing them being professional, it's good for them, it's good for the women's game because hopefully all the other countries will follow."
"For us, for us Black Ferns it's just that extra fight, that extra drive."
Black Fern captain Fiao’o Faamausili with the Laurie O'Reilly Cup during the Womens Rugby International, Black Ferns V Australia, Rugby Park, Christchurch, New Zealand, 13th June, 2017 Photo: Photosport
Fa'amauusili's training regime can often include a full day at work, followed by a 10 minute power-nap before an hour's conditioning programme.
While she was focused on rugby, she still had high aspirations for her police career.
"I have got dreams of being an inspector or higher, but I've just got to make sure I get my gold badge and then we'll proceed from there," she said.
The Black Ferns set off from New Zealand on next Tuesday.
They are in Pool A with Canada, Hong Kong and Wales with their first game on Thursday 10 August.
Only one team will progress to the semi-finals from each of the three pools, plus the best runner up.
-RNZ
