Black Ferns charge on towards another World Cup crown

New Zealand underlined their favouritism for a third women's rugby World Cup title by swamping Samoa 50-0 in Canada today.

The two-time champions were boosted by fullback Amiria Marsh's hat-trick of tries in the first half in St. Albert to back up from their opening 66-7 win over Canada last week.

New Zealand coach Jed Rowlands was satisfied with his side's effort.

"It was a good performance. We feel that with Canada and Samoa as our first two matches we have gotten our two solid and physical matchups out of the way."

Despite the one-sided look on the scoreboard, the Black Ferns did not have things all their own way against a physical and committed Samoan team.

Samoa initially held out the Black Ferns before spending several minutes themselves camped in the New Zealand half.

A missed tackle eventually led to New Zealand taking the lead in the 12th minute, flanker Melissa Ruscoe breaking through before finding Marsh in support for the fullback to claim her second try of the tournament.

The New Zealanders upped their intensity and within minutes had claimed a second try, a turnover leading to some great passing play which allowed wing Victoria Blackledge to cross the tryline.

A deep restart from Samoa was collected by the New Zealanders, who immediately broke through, Exia Edwards breaking the tackle before feeding centre Hannah Myers, who lacked the pace to finish but had Marsh on hand to touch down.

The Black Ferns scored another two tries through Rochelle Martin, who got her hands on the ball after a strong drive over from a lineout, and a third for Marsh to stretch their advantage to 29-0 at halftime.

Samoa struggled to find a way through New Zealand's solid defence but held the winners scoreless for the first 20 minutes of the second half.

New Zealand's pressure finally told with replacement Rachel Makata and Ruscoe touching down for tries, both converted by another replacement in Emma Jensen to make it 43-0.

The scoring was completed by Anna Richard following a turnover and toe ahead.

New Zealand 50 (Amiria Marsh 3, Victoria Blackledge, Rochelle Martin, Rachel Makata, Melissa Ruscoe, Anna Richards tries; Emma Jensen 3 con, Hannah Myers 2 con)
Samoa 0.

Halftime: 29-0.

- NZPA