Jillaroos wary of Fiji's fast starts in historic semi-final showdown

Jillaroos hooker Olivia Higgins knows her side will need to be on their toes from the get-go when they take on Fiji in their historic semi-final.

While the Jillaroos have conceded just one try across their three pool games and piled on 242 points, Higgins said Australia would not be taking Fiji lightly.

The Bulikula have impressed in their debut IRL Rugby League World Cup, pushing the Kiwi Ferns to the limit in their opening match before securing strong wins over France and PNG.

“We've spoken as a team about that, their fast starts, they scored within the first 10 minutes of their last two games,” Higgins said.

“So we know what to expect... we'll be ready.”

Higgins, who returns this week after serving as 18th player against Wales, said the “pressure” to perform from outside was seen as a privilege, but internally the goal remained to claim a fourth straight World Cup.

“Semi-final footy is different though and I think Fiji's had a really good campaign so far, so we're not taking them lightly at all... and obviously we want to win the World Cup, but we're just focusing on the game ahead," she said.

“I know it's a bit cliche, but pressure is privilege.

“We train (hard), we've played all year, we've had pressured moments in our club, so I don't think we're really thinking too much (about outside expectations).

“Our theme for this week is excellence, and there's so many things that we can do within our playing group to be better.

“Everybody knows that individually and as a team, so for us, we'll be striving to get those 'one-percenters' and really make a mark again this weekend.

“I think we all trust what our coaching staff are doing here and we have a really great team, but like I said, if we can all lift that little bit extra, I think we'll have a really good run to the final.”

The Australian Jillaroos will face off for a place in the World Cup against Fiji on Sunday at Allianz, with the match followed by the Kangaroos taking on Samoa.