New Zealand Rugby remains optimistic about the potential for Black Ferns tests to be played this year.
No decision has been made about what their re-jigged schedule might look like, but with the Rugby World Cup now just a year away, game time is even more important as the Ferns, build up to their World Cup defence.
But for one hopeful, the Farah Palmer Cup provides the perfect start.
Sarah Hirini has been there before - part of the Black Ferns World Cup victory three years ago.
That was the last time Hirini played the fifteen woman code. Following three successful years with the New Zealand Sevens side.
But she's as determined as ever to do it again - but this time on home soil.
"If i get that opportunity, i'll be putting both hands up to and try and trial for that so that's goal and that's why i want to bank as many 15s games as i can," Hirini told Newshub.
Hirini will turn out for Manawatu in the Farah Palmer Cup this season - a rare opportunity for one of the games highest profile players.
The world sevens series means Hirini's availability for local club and provincial rugby is scarce.
"It's now one of the most stacked competitions we've ever had, we've got 13 teams which is amazing.
Because of COVID-19's disruption on the sporting landscape, it meant this year's Farah Palmer Cup is set to be one of the strongest on record.
And that will be invaluable when it comes to plotting their World Cup defence in 2021.
"It's great for our competition that we're gonna have all the top women's players playing in that one comp."
NZR is still working towards confirming Black Ferns tests this year, but the Farah Palmer Cup is shaping as an ideal precursor.
