While their win over Canada provided a few nerves, it's a test the Black Ferns will look back on fondly as they gear up for the inaugural WXV.
The 52-21 scoreline may suggest a comfortable result, but for much of the fixture, it was anything but, as the plucky Canadians went out swinging in front of their home fans at Ottawa.
Just seven points separated the sides for the majority of the contest, with the hosts' physicality and set-piece causing New Zealand problems.
With several of the Canadian players plying their club trade in England's Premiership, it gives the Black Ferns another taste of what's to come.
Having already secured qualification for the WXV in October through back-to-back wins in the Pacific Four, New Zealand joined European giants England, France and Wales.
Australia, Canada and the US are vying for the remaining two spots, with just one round of Pacific Four action left.
Black Ferns assistant coach Steve Jackson acknowledged his team were guilty of being lazy in their win over Canada, but it's a test that will serve them well later this season.
"Don't take anything away from Canada, we knew that they were probably going to be our toughest test on this trip," he said.
"They were up for it, and we came off a long journey to get here. We've been together for a wee while, and not making any excuses, but when you get off of a plane, and have the journey we had, it takes a couple of days to get over that.
"Credit where credit is due, they were physical, had a strong set-piece, and have been playing extremely well. We knew we were up for it.
"We probably got a little lazy at times and going up so early in the piece, 21 points, they came back at us, and they never gave up, which was great.
"It was just the test that we actually needed. They're physical, and a lot of our girls said at the end of the game how hard it was in terms of the physicality. That's just what we need moving into the backend of this year."
The Black Ferns will play bottom-ranked USA in their final hitout on Saturday, with early tournament form suggesting it could be their biggest win yet.
But Jackson is refusing to write off a team desperate to overturn two huge defeats to Canada and Australia with a win over the world champion Black Ferns.
"We just need to concentrate on our game," he said. "Obviously, our unforced errors, holding onto the ball, and building phases, and things like that.
"That's going to be a real key for us this week playing against the USA. They're going to be hurting a little bit after their last couple of games.
"We're not going to be taking them for granted, we can't get complacent, we still have to go out and play our game and concentrate on the things we've been working on, so, looking forward to it."
