Reigning champions Australia excelled on the defensive end once again as they overcame Italy in a repeat of the 2016 Final.

The Sapphires conceded just 18 points in the second half with coach Shannon Seebohm delighted with the team defence.

"It's been outstanding," he told FIBA.

"It's something we pride ourselves on and something that we spend a lot of time on. Obviously, the games get harder now, defences get better so we have to keep being more disciplined.

"We can't have as many turnovers as we did today and just have to improve," Seebohm said.

Australia will now meet France in the semi-final early tomorrow morning after France brushed aside Latvia, 67-43.

Iliana Rupert, who returned from injury, led the way with 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists to put France in the last four for the first time since 2010.