The Wallaroos are confident a new approach can help them exact revenge on Ireland, when they face off in the fifth-place semi-final next Tuesday night.
Australia went down to the host nation in a thrilling 19-17 encounter in Dublin in their opening pool clash, with Tuesday’s (AEST) match deciding who will progress to the fifth-place final.
The Wallaroos arrived in Belfast overnight ahead of the matchup and assistant coach Dwayne Nestor said they still had some surprises left in the tank.
“It’s about playing our game, we know what we’re going to get from Ireland, and to a degree they know what they’re going to get from us, but we think we may have a few tricks up our sleeve to keep them guessing, and I think we’ll get some pay out of it,” he said.
“I think they enjoyed the day off, enjoyed seeing a bit of Belfast, refreshed them a little bit, and they’re really buoyed, so I think they’re very excited to play.
“They know they’ve got a big challenge ahead of them to do that, and I think they’re ready for it.
“I think they’re quietly confident that if they play well, they’ll get the result.”
The Wallaroos have taken confidence from a 29-15 win over Japan in their last start during the pool stage, their first win of the tournament, Nestor said.
“I think the girls played really well in terms of playing to our game plan, we knew if we executed well we’d be able to get some gain line and create some opportunities for those girls out wide,” he said.
“There are a few things I think they could improve on, but I think the reward they got for sticking to our game plan, especially the outside backs, was quite pleasing.”
Winger Nareta Marsters was one of the team’s five try-scorers against the Cherry said she was keen to add to her tally at her maiden World Cup.
Marsters’ game against Japan was an individual rollercoaster, with the winger’s frustration coming out after letting a certain try slip through her fingers before redeeming herself with a five-pointer.
“On my first go, I made a good run and then dropped it, so obviously me screaming was really emotional, because I really wanted to score a try.
“The experience is great, wearing the green and gold jersey is always a proud moment for myself, and a lot of the girls, but being at my first cup is amazing, and I wouldn’t want it (any other way).”
Australia take on Japan in the Women’s World Cup on August 22 at 11pm AEST at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast, LIVE on FOX SPORTS.
