Walking away from the last Netball World Cup empty-handed isn't a feeling Steph Wood wants to experience again, with the Diamonds intent on leaving Cape Town with the prized trophy in their possession.
Australia have long dominated the game's global showpiece, winning 11-times since the first tournament in 1963, and have never failed to play in the final.
Getting underway on Friday, this edition is the most hotly contested yet, with five genuine contenders - Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, England and hosts South Africa - among the 16 nations staking a claim for netball's top prize.
The Diamonds are ranked world No.1, the Silver Ferns are reigning world champions, Jamaica took silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, England have finished third at the last three tournaments, and South Africa have 2011 World Cup-winning Diamonds coach Norma Plummer at the helm.
At the last tournament in Liverpool in 2019, the Diamonds tasted a hollow defeat in the showpiece game, falling by one goal to New Zealand to end a 12-year reign as world champions.
Wood is one of seven players backing up from that World Cup and told AAP the loss stung badly, particularly coming after missing out on the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal to England.
"The World Cup definitely hurt," the Diamonds vice-captain said.
"You have to move on pretty quickly but it's not something that's lost on me.
"I still remember the feeling. I remember, 'I don't like losing, I hate the feeling'. It's not something that is forgotten."
While the midcourt and defensive end have plenty of World Cup experience, 31-year-old Wood is the only shooter who has played in the tournament before, with Kiera Austin, Sophie Garbin and Cara Koenen the new faces.
Garbin edged game-breaking Donnell Wallam for the final spot, although the Firebirds ace is a travelling reserve.
Wood said the incoming trio brought other strengths to the squad, who face a brutal schedule of eight games in 10 days to clinch the trophy.
"They have had plenty of other international experience over the past two years," she said.
"Our versatility is a really great asset. We have different style shooters and we've got a fair few combinations we can mix up, so whatever defence we come up against we'll be able to combat it."
Wood said the athletic Jamaicans, led by goal-keeper Shamera Sterling, as well as the Silver Ferns boast the toughest defensive units.
She expected two-time Diamonds world champion Mo'onia Gerrard, coming out of retirement to play for pool opponents Tonga, to also bring some "mongrel".
Coach Stacey Marinkovich took over after the Liverpool World Cup and said her team were ready for the challenge, beginning with Zimbabwe, Fiji and Tonga in the preliminary rounds.
"It's about playing against the different opposition and being able to absorb and adapt to the different styles," Marinkovich said from Cape Town.
"We need to get the loading right so that we make sure everyone is fresh at the right times in the competition and that we're peaking towards the end."
