New Zealand to face England in Final

New Zealand remain on course for a fourth Women's World Cup crown after beating France in the semi-finals on Wednesday

New Zealand remain on course for a fourth straight Women's Rugby World Cup crown after beating France 45-7 in the first semi-final on Wednesday.

The Black Ferns will face England in Sunday's final after the host battled their way to a15-0 win over Australia.

Results
New Zealand 45-7 France
England 15-0 Australia

Final:

New Zealand v England
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New Zealand 45-7 France

New Zealand produced a clinical performance to comfortably despatch France and duly book their place in the Women's Rugby World Cup final on Sunday.

A 45-7 score line tells its own story but the Black Ferns did have to work hard to gain the ascendancy against a dogged French side who managed the rare distinction of making New Zealand look human in the first quarter.

France left nothing in the locker and exploited one possible area of weakness in the Black Ferns armour – defending the rolling maul.

However, once New Zealand took a grip of the game, there was only going to be one winner with the outside backs in particular showing their class throughout.

The Black Ferns were quickly into their stride, their outside backs confident and skilful enough to attack from deep.

New Zealand coach Brian Evans: “We thought it was going to be a tough game and really happy with the outcome. It was a hard game to play. We did well in patches and then France kept on coming and coming with that maul. So pretty happy.”

England 15-0 Australia

Job done for England, who confirmed their place in Sunday's final against New Zealand, but Gary Street's side were made to work awfully hard for their 15-0 win over Australia.

For the best part of an hour, based on a huge forward dominance, England pummelled the Wallaroos time and again.

Yet there has never yet been an Australian sporting side that will throw in the towel and today was no exception.

England will wonder how they only scored 12 points until a late penalty settled the nerves but it was down to individual errors from the home side and superb spirit and defence from the visitors.

England had some scary moments in the final quarter and will know that they will have to step it up a gear if they are to deny the Black Ferns a fourth crown.

The tension was palpable and the crowd at the Stoop were treated to something of a rarity in this tournament – a tactical kicking duel.

England booked their place in the final thanks to tries from skipper Catherine Spencer and full back Danielle Waterman in the first half while Katy McLean and Alice Richardson added five points from the boot.

With thanks to the IRB