Jillaroos stalwart Simaima Taufa was eyeing a semi-final win against an “unreal” Fiji Bulikula side, citing extra motivation with good friend Kezie Apps also celebrating a rare 25-Test milestone.
There with Apps as she made her international debut in 2014 with a close win over New Zealand, Taufa said to be part of her special match in during this year’s IRL Rugby League World Cup was an honour, with only five other women having achieved the feat.
“I was there for Kezie’s debut, so it's taken her 12 years to get here,” Taufa said.
“To celebrate her in such a pinnacle moment and playing semi-finals against Fiji's unreal and I know that the team is extra motivated this week to get the job done.”
Sitting out last week’s record 124-6 win over Wales, Taufa is one of a number of key forwards to return to the Australian line-up this week alongside fellow prop Millie Elliott and second rower Tiana Penitani Gray (recovered from a foot injury).
While the Jillaroos have been widely tipped to lift the trophy at the end of the tournament, Taufa was not looking that far ahead and praised the play of their upcoming opponents Fiji, as well as their fellow semi-final debutants Samoa, who take on New Zealand.
“Fiji's unreal; they play off the cuff," Taufa said.
“They play what's happening in front, and they're a really tough team.
“For Rugby League World Cup as a whole, with the way the Pacific has been able to come across and celebrate their culture … (the players are set) to be role models for those girls back in Fiji and Papua New Guinea and Samoa, (it) is unreal.
“They're showcasing what women can do and it'll be the first time in history that Fiji I believe that's in the semi-finals and I know they've got a lot to play for and so do we."
For their own preparation, the Jillaroos have been working to maintain their high standards across the competition, finding improvements in each performance.
“The great thing about this team is that we chase excellence,” Taufa said of Australia's mindset heading into the game.
“We don't get too caught up in (outside discussions), but we do celebrate those little wins that we get to mark.
“But I think what's really great about the group and our staff is the fact that we keep chasing their excellence and we don't get carried away about the external noises.
“(We are) more focusing on what we can get after next, and that's the semi-final round, this Sunday against Fiji.
“(So) when we did our reviews as a whole … it's focusing on ourselves and what we can control and that's our effort areas … and then just doing what we need to do individually that contributes to the to the success of the team.”
Match: Australia v Fiji
Semi Final -
home Team
Australia
1st Position
away Team
Fiji
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- All matches will be broadcast live and exclusive in Australia on Seven and 7plus, on Sky Sport in New Zealand and Digicel in Papua New Guinea.
