Back-to-back losses against New Zealand would increase pressure on Australia but co-captain Ali Brigginshaw says the Jillaroos are already feeling the heat.
It comes as a quad injury rules Jess Elliston out of Sunday's clash in Christchurch, with Sydney Roosters centre Jess Sergis to take her spot on the Jillaroos' bench.
The Gold Coast forward is expected back for Australia's final game of the tournament early next month.
The Jillaroos are at risk of their first consecutive defeats to the same team since 2016 when they meet the Kiwi Ferns for the first time since a stunning 12-6 loss in last year's Pacific Cup final.
The addition of Olympic rugby sevens gold medallist Gayle Broughton to the team for her debut and a heaving Christchurch crowd will work in the Kiwi Ferns' favour chasing a second upset on Sunday.
"I feel like there's a little bit of pressure on us now, coming on the back of that ending in New Zealand (last year)," Brigginshaw told AAP.
"That loss really hit home last year. Just the way we play, we hold ourselves to such a high standard that that wasn't good enough. Every single player was extremely disappointed with how we performed.
"We know they're going to have the crowd support, we know they've got new players joining their team that are going to bring X factor.
"I think our backs are up against the wall but we have the group here, we have the squad that we need to win this game."
Jillaroos coach Brad Donald has been contending with pressure since before a ball was kicked in the Pacific Championships, after controversially snubbing Dally M Medallist Olivia Kernick and NSW State of Origin player of the year Jaime Chapman from his squad.
Those selection calls would come under fresh scrutiny with a loss to the Kiwi Ferns, with the coach admitting earlier criticism of his squad announcement had felt unprecedented.
"It definitely was a learning curve for me but I knew it was all coming from the right place," he said.
"The reason that it's a positive is because the national team selection should bring that sort of emotional attachment for our followers.
"There should be people that are asking questions about making sure the right people are in the team and I accept that responsibility. The criticism comes and people are watching and they're so emotionally attached to it."
Brigginshaw confirmed she had recovered from the finger injury she suffered late in the NRLW season that sidelined her from the 84-0 thrashing of Papua New Guinea a week ago.
"I've trained with it all week so I'm feeling good," she said.
Hooker Quincy Dodd has shown positive signs in her bid to return from a quad injury for Australia's final match of the tournament early next month.
"She's actually back running so they're just monitoring it. It's nothing to stress about too much," Brigginshaw said.
