Eve Higgins insists Ireland are itching to end their WXV 1 campaign on a high as they bid to prove their stunning win over New Zealand was no fluke.

Ireland began their competition with an historic 29-27 win over the world champions but fell to a 21-8 defeat at the hands of hosts Canada last weekend.

A clash with USA rounds off their first taste of the WXV’s top tier and Scott Bemand’s side are leaving no stone unturned in their final week in Vancouver.

“It is our first WXV 1 and we have created some good memories,” Higgins said. “We are all raring to go and itching to get into one last match to prove ourselves again.

“The Canada game was a very physical, we have had back-to-back very physical games, so it’s all about getting our heads and bodies right to perform at the weekend.

“Going from first half to second, even on the day it was a reflection to see how much we improved in the second half.

“Even watching back how much we let slip in the game, we’ve seen how much more we can do and capitalise on, so there are a lot of positives going into the weekend.”

Higgins came off the bench in the win over the Black Ferns and was back in the starting line-up against Canada, who flew into a 21-3 lead at the break.

Ireland stepped up a gear after the interval and will look to reach those levels again when they take on a USA side who have lost each of their two fixtures so far.

Higgins feels the spirit in the camp will help carry them to a positive finish and hailed the way Ireland’s close-knit squad have bonded in their time away.

“There are 30 in the squad but you wouldn’t think it, we are so tight,” she said. “We have been in camp now four or five weeks and you honestly wouldn’t know it.

“It’s Test match week three and there are nothing but good vibes in the group.

“We had a day off which was spent doing some reading, some reviewing, some coffee dates, a chill and just enjoying each other’s company. There will definitely be a few more coffees this week.

“We are all trying to learn and grow to put us in the best place for this weekend.”