NZ Kiwis forward Isaiah Papali'i insists any shortcomings shown against Fiji have been fixed, with a clash against world champions Australia on the cards.
On Saturday, New Zealand were forced to come from 18-6 down in a match that seemed destined to repeat the 2017 World Cup loss to the Bati and condemn the world No.1 to another early tournament exit.
A second-half rally has now put trans-Tasman foes on a collision course at Leeds on Saturday morning (NZ time).
Even with the Kiwis yet to hit their best at this World Cup, Papali'i says they have already moved on from a game that could well have spelled their end.
"We had to be honest with ourselves," he said. "That wasn't our best performance, but we got through the quarter-final and we've put ourselves in a position to face up against Aussie.
"We had to move on quickly and that's what we did. We got back out on the paddock and fixed what we needed to."
While Fiji were a good test for the Kiwis, Australia are another prospect altogether.
The 11-time World Cup winners have looked their usual selves so far at the World Cup, dispatching Lebanon 48-4 in their quarter-final.
The Kangaroos insist they're not taking the Kiwis for granted, even if organisers have already booked New Zealand's trip home in anticipation of defeat.
Papali'i, who plays his club football with Parramatta Eels, says the Kiwis shouldn't be underestimated, especially if they finally hit their strides.
"They've played a solid month of footy together," he added. "You can see they're a quality side, but that takes nothing away from us - we're also a quality side.
"I have no doubts the boys will prepare well and make sure we put out a good performance."
Despite making his Kiwis debut in 2018, Papali'i is yet to face Australia in a test match.
Even with trans-Tasman bragging rights on the line, Papali'i knows there are bigger fish to fry should the Kiwis upset the form guide on Saturday morning.
"I've grown up watching these games and this'll be the first time I lace up against an Aussie squad. I'm really excited for that.
"There's a big opportunity that lies ahead of us after this trans-Tasman test. That's just more motivation to get one up on them.
"I more just want to do it for our country, rather than getting one up on them.
"That's more motivational for me, giving back to a country that's given me a lot in terms of footy. That means beating them this Friday."
Catch the Rugby League World Cup live on Spark Sport and free-to-air on Three, or join us at 7:45am Saturday for live updates of the NZ Kiwis v Australia semi-final
