The Wallaroos completed a perfect WXV2 tournament with Saturday night's thrilling 31-22 win over Scotland.
34-cap veteran Ash Marsters had the final say in Cape Town, scoring at the death to secure Australia's first piece of tournament silverware under Jo Yapp and guarantee RWC 2025 qualification.
Here's what we learned:
Heading into this tournament, coach Jo Yapp shared a simple message to reporters - "We're going to WXV2 and we want to win".
"We need to keep making sure we're developing the players within the system and keep getting better as a side."
Suffice to say Yapp and her side kept their word.
This trophy-lifting Wallaroo outfit was a far cry from the one trounced twice by New Zealand, soundly throughout their Pacific Four campaign and even the one so recently beaten by Ireland and Wales.
Though far from perfect, Saturday's win over Scotland had all the hallmarks of a tough gritty side willing to grind out tough gritty wins - good omens heading into RWC 2025.
The bookies may have had Australia just ahead of Scotland in this one but few could've predicted the scorching start from Yapp's side.
After enduring a torrid opening 10 minutes, the Wallaroos scored three tries in a flash to streak out 21-0 leaders.
Desiree Miller's long-range effort go the ball rolling before Maya Stewart's obligatory right-wing effort and a lovely Moleka kick assist for Cecilia Smith had Scotland all-too acquainted with their in-goal area.
Admittedly, things stalled from there as Scotland clawed their way back to a 22-21 lead with 11 minutes remaining but those early attacking plays were some of the best this year in Australian rugby.
Cometh the hour, cometh the Marster(s) - or something like that.
Because when push comes to shove, Australia's record breaker was always going to have a say in her milestone game.
Setting aside her mammoth shift in defence (including two turnovers), Marsters was her trademark self with ball in hand and stepped in up the 79th minute.
With her side up 24-22 and a trophy on the line, Marsters drove over and planted down for a match-winning try that inked her name into the history books once more.
What a weapon, what a woman. Take a bow, Ash Marsters.
Australian fans can bask in their overnight silverware but this one was almost plucked from our grasp by those plucky Scots.
Down 21-0, the defending WXV2 champs showed their class with a monster comeback and actually lead with 11 minutes remaining.
A late try to Franchesca McGhie had Australia reeling and the conversion (if successful) would've put them up by three and really turned the screws.
Fullback Chloe Rollie was electric, their backrow tireless and rest assured they'll be a force come the big dance in England next year.
Maya Stewart, Desiree Miller, Caitlyn Halse, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Faitala Moleka.
These players were easily among Australia's top five most influential through an unbeaten WXV2 - and yet none have tasted a World Cup campaign.
It's a testament to the development first under Jay Tregonning and then advanced by Yapp this season that we're seeing a new crop of Wallaroos stars on the rise.
With the likes of Piper Duck and Em Chancellor still sidelined plus the tantalising carrot of Australia's Sevens stars, 2025's touring squad is set to be our strongest yet.
Pools are yet to be drawn and Australia will undoubtedly face at least one of New Zealand, England, France or Canada before finals but Saturday's victory showed this Wallaroos squad has the talent and the mindset to lift trophies.
Could they lift the big one next year? Why not? Don't scratch them just yet.
