The stage is already set for round three in the fiery battle between Australian netballer Mo'onia Gerrard and New Zealand strike weapon Temepara George.
Defending champions Australia and world No.1-ranked New Zealand are the favourites to fight out the final of the world championship, starting on July 3 in Singapore.
The two veterans clashed - literally - during the Diamonds' recent two-match series against the Silver Ferns, with both crashing to the court several times.
They are both known for their athleticism, physicality and fearsome determination.
Despite their longevity at the top of the games, the veterans rarely line up directly against each other as they did in New Zealand, with Gerrard at wing defence and George at wing attack.
"I've never really come up against her as a wing defender, apart from in the ANZ (championship) a couple of times, but she's always going to go out there and fight for the ball," 30-year-old Gerrard said.
"She demands a little bit of respect, but you'll definitely see some more tussle out there at the worlds."
Gerrard was a key to Australia's 2007 world championship success, when 35-year-old George, a mother of two, missed the titles as she temporarily stood down from representative netball.
The absence of George was widely considered a key reason for the Silver Ferns' loss to the Australians.
"She's definitely one of the leaders," said Gerrard, who has played 43 Tests.
"In terms of shutting down excess ball going to the goaling end, it's her and (Laura) Langman for sure."
While the newcomers to the Australian line-up are bristling with excitement and enthusiasm, Gerrard is cool and calm about the tournament.
"It's just another competition, another game," she said.
"It's a bigger title, but I don't get too excited until I get on court."
The Australians are in Hong Kong for a training camp before they fly to Singapore.
