Black Ferns 45
France 7
The Black Ferns remain on course for a fourth Women's Rugby World Cup title in a row after they easily defeated France 45-7 in the semi-finals.
New Zealand's sublime skill and pace was far too hot to handle for France who looked defeated from the moment they conceded their first try just nine minutes in.
New Zealand made a blistering start with fullback Victoria Grant searing through the middle in the opening minute and number 8 Casey Robertson almost scored in the corner when the ball was recycled but France somehow hung on and pushed her over the line.
You sensed a score was coming though as New Zealand dominated the opening plays. Winger Renne Wickliffe burst through the middle on a run that took her 40 yards but France turned over. The score did come when Carla Hohepa got perhaps her first touch of the ball and her pace took her past Elodie Poublan at fullback for the first try.
France battled back into it, showing a good work ethic at the breakdown as New Zealand continued to attack out wid. The Black Ferns weathered the storm though and Grant, who had so impressed in the opening quarter with her quick feet and offloading, skipped over after hooker Fiao'o Faamausili's burst on the wing.
Hohepa then broke through with seeming ease and her lovely jinking run set up Huriana Manuel who dotted down under the sticks and suddenly all of the French battling came to nothing as New Zealand led 17-0 after half an hour.
New Zealand were now almost showboating, with their sublime skills shining through. Wickliffe was next to score after Anna Richards laid off a lovely pass and her exuberant dive over in the corner showed how confident her side were as Hohepa than added another out wide.
France were in disarray now as the clock crept towards halftime and they were 31-0 down but they battled back for their first score of the match when a series of good mauls Laetitia Salles crashed over.
New Zealand came out and powered their way into the second half though. Richards scored after just two minutes and it looked as if this would become a rout. Black Ferns coach Brian Evans emptied his bench then midway through the half as he looked towards freshness for what looked inevitably like another World Cup final for his side.
The changes turned the game into a bit of a scrap as the Black Ferns knew the game was won and France were just playing for pride. There was a 20 minute stalemate where neither side could breakthrough though New Zealand completely dominated possession.
Finally another score came for the Black Ferns when replacement Joan Sione crashed over for their 7th try with Emma Jenson converting to help them to a 45-7 lead with ten minutes to go.
French replacement Fanny Horta impressed when she came off the bench with some nice breaks and footwork as the Black Ferns were reduced to
14 players as Steph Te Ohaere-Fox was binned for helping pull a maul down.
What the result means is that New Zealand have essentially coasted their way through this campaign and have never looked threatened from the opening game right to the end of this semi-final. They will be hoping that not being roughed up ahead of the final won' t hinder them as they ease towards a fourth title in a row.
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