"Our defensive system has changed a little with Johnny (Manenti) and Chucky working on that together and it gives us girls a lot of confidence," co-captain Sharni Williams said

"It's starting to show out there for us," she said.

They were able to see off Papua New Guinea, despite an early try in the second half, were able to cruise home in a comfortable 34-5 win.
 
Their quarter-final showdown was against Spain, who knocked them out at the same stage of the last World Cup. Australia had already faced Spain five times during the World Series this year including a 17-14 loss in Kitakyushu.

Aussies put on their best performance against the side this year as Evania Pelite scored a hat-trick in their 34-0 victory.

"Obviously going into this do or die tournament we had to come out strong from the start," Williams said.

"We've maybe had a little slip up at the starts and Johnny has come to us and said it's really about the finish," she said.

Australia faces France, who they played three times this year and won all matches, in the semi-final on Sunday at 4:42am AEST live on Fox Sports 501.