ISTANBUL (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Erin Phillips has been the live-wire of the Australian Opals squad, especially in the absence of Lauren Jackson and Liz Cambage.

The Phoenix Mercury shooting guard was once again at the vanguard of another Australian win on Sunday - the second in as many games - assuring the team of place in the next round.

"The way we are playing is very good. There's a lot of positive energy," said the 29-year-old, who had four points, five rebounds and handed out a game-high seven assists.

It's been a great experience especially for our younger players. - Phillips

"We are playing really tough style of basketball. Nothing complicated, just move the ball. Just old school of basketball. It's been fun for us, and it's tough for the opposition to guard.

"Our defense has been the highlight," she said on the take-aways from the first two wins.

"Our aggressiveness on defense has made the oppositions get out of sync. It's been disruptive on the opposition. That's a big plus for us."

The fact that Australia's next opponent is Belarus, playing a completely different style of basketball was not lost on Phillips.

"We have played two teams that are small and quick. But Belarus is a big team. We have to work on winning the rebounding competition. It's going to be tough," she said.

Philips counted on the time spent alongside Penny Taylor with Phoenix to help the team in the strife to compensate for the absence of Cambage and Jackson.

"For sure, it's definitely helped that I have played with Penny before. We had great chemistry there. It really helps."

FIBA