But their ascent to the top of the tree started in the parks and fields of Dunedin.
They paired in the five-eighths — Subritzky-Nafatali at first and Brazier at second — for the title-winning Black Ferns and were named in the tournament team for the Women’s World Cup just completed in Ireland.
Former Otago coach John Kyle said the pair both had great skills early on.
"Kelly, she was sensational right from a very young age.
"I think she played for Otago when she was about 14," Kyle said.
"She has always had a fantastic step, always really, really quick and was just a natural with the ball. You could see she was going to go a long way.
"Victoria probably took a bit longer to come to it. She was one of those kids who would play up rather than play when she was young. But you could see she had the ability.
"But she has matured over the past couple of years, become a better player."
Brazier (27) can play any position in the backline but with her all-round skills was in the midfield for the national team at the World Cup in Ireland.
Her distribution skills, kicking ability and vision were key to the Black Ferns’ successful march to the title.
Subritzky-Nafatali (25) has always played first five-eighth and has been knocking on the national team for a few years before cementing a starting spot when former Highlanders coach Glenn Moore took over last year.
Former New Zealand and Otago player Margaret McKenzie said the duo grew up around the game and that helped them greatly.
"Kelly, she was playing touch with us when she was about 11. She has grown up around sports, played them all.
"Both of the girls had really supportive families who have helped them along the way," McKenzie said.
The two players came into the Otago team while still teenagers but fitted in well through their love of the game and the support they had, McKenzie said.
Unfortunately, the duo no longer wear the blue and gold when playing back in the domestic competition.Brazier, who won a silver medal at the Rio Olympics last year in sevens, moved to Bay of Plenty to be closer to the national sevens training base. Subritzky-Nafatali moved to Counties-Manukau two years ago and was part of the side which won the domestic competition last year.
The duo had their mothers with them in Ireland.Brazier has remained in Europe for a holiday after the tournament while Subritzky-Nafatali returned to New Zealand on Tuesday and is a chance to play for Counties-Manukau this season.