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Two rugby league matches in four days is a tall order but if Australia and New Zealand have their way, they will be playing three games in just over a week as they hunt Women's Rugby League World Cup glory.
- Australia and New Zealand will play their semifinals at the women's Rugby League World Cup just four days after their last group match
- The Jillaroos will face Papua New Guinea before the Kiwi Ferns face England
- New Zealand fullback Apii Nicholls believes her side are more than up to the gruelling task
When the Jillaroos meet Papua New Guinea and the Kiwi Ferns take on England in Tuesday morning's (AEDT) semifinals in York, it will be just four days since the bruising final group match between the trans-Tasman rivals.
Given Australia and New Zealand took each other to hell and back in the Jillaroos' 10-8 triumph, there will be plenty of bumps and bruises, but while the Jillaroos are expected to handle the Orchids without much trouble, the Kiwi Ferns are relishing the challenge of taking on the hosts for a spot in the final.
"The turnaround isn't ideal but we're all tough, we're mentally tough, we're looking forward to the challenge," New Zealand fullback Apii Nicholls said.
"Recovery becomes really important, but we need to have fun with each other. Make the most of our rest day, that's important.
"It was a tough game, definitely, we played together and did our best but we want to meet them again in the finals."
New Zealand were 10-1 underdogs against the Jillaroos in the final group match but gave the defending champions a hell of a scare to prove this tournament is far from a one-team race.
Nicholls was in fine touch, scoring a sharp try off a Raecene McGregor kick and defending stoutly in tricky conditions, and was second only to bullocking second rower Amber Hall in terms of best on ground.
The Titans fullback has been one of her nation's best through the tournament and picked up player of the match honours against France in New Zealand's opening game.
While the Kiwi Ferns always believed they had the talent to win the World Cup, seeing proof of their resolve against such a highly touted opponent has only boosted their faith in their own abilities.
"It's really important, because the number one thing you need to play your best game is confidence and now we have that, each and every one of us," Nicholls said.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what England have. We'll be ready, we'll be prepared."
England have breezed through their pool, winning by heavy margins against Papua New Guinea, Brazil and Canada, and will enjoy an extra day's rest before they take on New Zealand.
The hosts will no doubt enjoy a raucous home crowd at York Community Stadium, home of the York Valkyries who are one of the Women's Super League powerhouses.
The winner will advance to the final at Old Trafford, which will be played as part of a double-header with the men's final between Samoa and Australia.