Two years ago, Lori Cramer caught herself wondering how she was going to keep up with the Wallaroos' influx of rugby sevens talent.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
See subscription optionsThe backline veteran had the 2025 World Cup, which begins in less than a month in England, circled on her calendar.
"I was thinking, 'it's coming'," the 32-year-old said ahead of Saturday's Test against Wales in Brisbane.
"With the sevens girls coming in, everyone knew it would shake things up a little bit.
"It was like, 'Okay, shit; there's about to be a bunch of girls that are rapid and with good skills'.
"I'm a bit older ... whether I can match them physically and with pace, or maybe use my wisdom and smarts.
"It's about adapting and figuring out how you can become indispensable.
"For me, that's my experience - comms and a bit of my leadership as well."
Cramer will provide backline cover in her 30th Test, coming off the bench at Ballymore.
"You have to put your ego aside; you want to send your best fighters to the fight," she said.
"It's not about me, it's about the Wallaroos. So if I'm the best person for the job on the day, then let's go."
The influx hasn't reached the heights it threatened to when nine sevens stars were pencilled in for Super Rugby Women's opening round.
Tia Hinds will wear the No.10 on Saturday while sevens great Charlotte Caslick (ankle) is hoping to be fit for Australia's second Cup game in late August.
Fellow Olympian Bienne Terita (hamstring) was in calculations but won't be fit for the England showpiece while Levi sisters Madison and Teagan withdrew their interest.
Wins against Fiji and USA have been offset by losses to heavyweights Canada and New Zealand this season.
Confident progress has been made, Australia - boasting a 7-1 head-to-head against Wales - can prove it in their final two opportunities on home soil.
Cramer rates Welsh flyhalf Lleucu George the "best boot in women's rugby ... an absolute freak" and expects a thorough examination.
"We're hitting our straps when we need to be and the games against Wales can always get a bit fiery," Cramer said.
"Everyone's building for something bigger, but we want to win these Test matches as well."
Emily Chancellor will captain Australia with regular skipper Siokapesi Palu (foot) injured, while Ashley Marsters will become the first Wallaroo to play 40 Tests.
Australian Associated Press
