France co-captain Manae Feleu says her side want to build on their "statement" victory over South Africa in the final match of the pool stage over the weekend.
Les Bleues topped Pool D following their 57-10 victory over one of the tournament's surprise packages at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday.
But it was the manner of victory, particularly in the forward battle which is a traditional strength of South Africa's, that brought the most satisfaction.
"We wanted to dominate in the scrum, in the tackles," Feleu said after her side's third straight victory in the pool stage.
"We knew South Africa was going to be tough, they have a really big team, tough physically, so we wanted to make a statement on that.
"When you get the upper hand in the scrum, it’s easier because you feel you’re winning the mental battle too.
"We’ll need to watch the game in detail, but on the pitch it had been a long time since we’d enjoyed ourselves that much.
"That’s a good sign for what’s ahead. We’ll keep building on this. We’ve laid down solid foundations and we’re moving forward step by step."
That next step is a quarter-final showdown with Six Nations rivals Ireland at Sandy Park on Sunday.
"We are really excited," Feleu said. "We have been working for the past three years for this."
Mastercard Player of the Match, Pauline Bourdon Sansus added: "We still have a lot to give. Our objective was to finish first and we did it. Now it's getting better and better, stronger and stronger for the quarter-final and we are ready to go."
France's three victories in the pool stage came on the back of a defeat to England in the build-up to the tournament, a loss which was almost entirely borne of forward power. Should France make it past Ireland they could well be coming up against the Red Roses in the semi-finals, where they would surely be looking for redemption.
It is for that reason their whole camp was so pleased to get one over a physical side like South Africa in the lead-up to the knockouts.
"We knew the scrum was one of their strengths. We wanted to show we could match them there," co-head coach Gaëlle Mignot said.
"We wanted to prove that France could dominate both in the scrum and in defence. The girls fronted up in the contest. I’m pleased with that.
"Now it’s a whole new competition. It’s knockout rugby: you win or you’re out. We’ll want to lean on our strengths and what worked today in a high-stakes game. We have to believe we can achieve something big, tidy up a few details, and keep building momentum."
France are well aware of the threat Ireland pose, as one of the few teams to have registered a win against the Black Ferns in recent years as well as being Six Nations rivals.
"We play them every year," Émilie Boulard said of the challenge. "Our last match in the Six Nations over there was tight.
"They’ve been getting stronger in recent years - they beat the Black Ferns in WXV. They’ll come in with huge belief, thinking everything is possible against us.
"So it’s up to us to shut down their intentions early, impose our game, and build confidence. Starting well will be absolutely crucial."
France face Ireland at Sandy Park on Sunday and you can get your hands on tickets to the game by clicking here.
