The Australian women's eight are off to a flying start at the world rowing championships in Bulgaria, beating titleholders Romania en route to the medals race.
The crew, stroked by Emma Fessey, powered over the line in Plovdiv, beating the reigning world and European champions as well as Great Britain and New Zealand.
Crew member Jacinta Edmunds said they felt they could do even better in Sunday's final.
"I think where we ended up was very exciting but we've got to keep working and pushing on for the A-Finals," said Edmunds, who was making her senior team debut.
The men's eight finished second in a photo finish with the USA in their heat to also book a place in Sunday's final.
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Finishing just 0.05 behind the USA there was a lot to like about the Australians, who set a new national men's eight best time of 5 minutes 19.25 seconds.
In other results, single sculler Maddie Edmunds comfortably won her repechage to progress to Saturday's A/B semi-finals while the PR3 (para-rowing) men's pair of Jed Altschwager and James Talbot finished third and will race their A-Final on Saturday morning in Bulgaria.
Windy conditions postponed afternoon racing, delaying quarter-finals involving Luke Letcher (single scull) and men's pair Jack O'Brien and Andrew Judge until Thursday.
