When prop Eva Karpani runs out on to the international arena, there's someone beside her who reminds the second-most-capped Wallaroo of her younger self.
Faliki Pohiva made a triumphant return to Australia's women's rugby team at the weekend, playing her 12th Test and scoring her first international try against world champions England in their spirited 48-15 loss in Salford on Sunday (AEST).
The five-pointer underlined the 25-year-old's importance to the Wallaroos' future as they continue ramping up preparations for their home World Cup in 2029.
Pohiva missed Australia's horror Test against New Zealand in August because of a calf injury, but with the barnstorming prop now firmly entrenched in the side, her presence has reminded Karpani of just how much she adds.
"We have a really good relationship. We continue to push each other. We're very similar players," Karpani said.
"Liki has got so much potential, and she's such an exciting player, and for me, I almost see my younger self in her.
"She's come a long way, and she's going to continue to come a long way."
Pohiva and Karpani share similar attributes - they are both of Tongan descent and play in the same position.
The pair will aim to demonstrate their glittering one-two punch when Australia take on world No.4 France in their second Test of the WXV Global Series in Aix-en-Provence on Sunday (AEST).
Karpani's glittering endorsement of her teammate comes as the veteran of 45 Tests inches closer to a historic 50 Wallaroos caps.
She scored her 15th try for Australia against the Red Roses to move to third on the all-time list behind Desiree Miller (18) and Maya Stewart (17).
In their previous outing against France in 2023, the 30-year-old grabbed a hat-trick to help the Australians secure a 29-20 victory.
"(The 2023 win) fills us with confidence. They've got some (new) members in their team, but they're still a really good and physical team," Karpani said.
"For us, anyone's beatable, similar to the Red Roses, where we really ... gave it to them in the first half.
"We've shown ourselves that we can ... compete against the top teams in the world. Our comms and messaging have been 'let's do it for 80 minutes'."
Australian Associated Press
