The Black Ferns will unleash all three of their uncapped players in their opening test of the year against the USA at Hamilton, but coach Allan Bunting admits he's still trying to find the team's core DNA.
With their World Cup defence less than 18 months away, there's a clear push among the squad to make an impression.
A surreal moment for a special talent, as halfback Maia Joseph named to make her Black Ferns debut.
"I'm really excited, definitely a bit nervous, but just looking forward to the game," she said. "We've had really good prep the last few weeks, all the girls have been really welcoming."
Joseph's selection marks a special connection with dad Jamie, who made 20 appearances for the All Blacks... not that he'll be there for his daughter's debut.
"It's actually my sister's graduation at the exact same time," said Maia. "She's graduating law school, so my parents are at that in Dunedin.
"She must be the favourite."
Joseph will no doubt take in his daughter's debut from the couch instead and Bunting is confident she - along with fellow newcomers Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu and Hannah King - will be special ones.
"We've had our eyes on them for a while, and to see what they've done through Aupiki and contributed, just their influence around the group has been awesome," he said.
Bunting is keen for a fresh start this year, with the Black Ferns' last test one they'd sooner forget - a 33-12 loss to England in the inaugural WXV1, where they won only once in three games.
With next year's World Cup defence fast approaching, Bunting is eager for this group to establish themselves.
"We talk about our DNA," he said. "We are really trying to find out what this is.
"We've got some special ladies in our group who are different, so really we're finding out and believing in what we can bring."
The playing group has adopted that attitude as well, keen to make a statement with an eye to next year's global showpiece.
"People are biting at each other's ankles for positions, but it's real healthy competition," said lock Maia Roos.
That competition will truly heat up in the Black Ferns' opening test of the year on Saturday.
Join us at 2pm Saturday for live updates of the Black Ferns v USA Pacific Four clash
