New Zealand to face England in WRWC final

New Zealand will face England in Saturday's Women's Rugby World Cup final after they beat the USA and France respectively on Tuesday.

The Black Ferns ran out comfortable 45-12 winners in a seven-try success as Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali, Portia Woodman (4), Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate and Kelly Brazier crossed. Woodman was once again the star.

England were last on the schedule and had to work hard to beat France, winning 20-3 thanks to tries from Sarah Bern and Megan Jones.

Italy began the day claiming a spot in the ninth place final with a 22-0 victory over Japan. Tries from Melissa Bettoni, Sofia Stefan and a Michela Sillari brace proved too much for Japan who failed to register any points.

The Italians will take on Spain in that fixture, which is scheduled for Saturday, after they beat Hong Kong, winning 31-7 thanks to tries from Angela del Pan, Isabel Rico, Amaia Erbina, Iera Echebarria and Carlota Meliz.

Meanwhile, Australia progressed to Saturday's fifth place final after they overcame hosts Ireland 36-24 in a high-scoring contest in Belfast.

Their try scorers were Sharni Williams, Sarah Riordan, Hilisha Samoa, Millie Boyle and Mahalia Murphy as they put themselves into a 36-12 lead on 65 minutes before Ireland launched a spirited fightback that was too little too late.

They will face Canada on Saturday, who hammered Wales 52-0 in a one-sided encounter.

Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final results

Italy 22-0 Japan (9th place semi-final)
Ireland 24-36 Australia (5th place semi-final)
Spain 31-7 Hong Kong (9th place semi-final)
Canada 52-0 Wales (5th place semi-final)
New Zealand 45-12 USA (semi-final)
England 20-3 France (semi-final)