, T Fitzpatrick, A Leti-l'iga (R Holmes 52); R Demant, K Cocksedge (A Bayler 57); P Love (L Conor 61), G Ponsonby (K Murray 46), A Rule (S Taumata 61), M Roos (J Ngan-Woo 61), C Bremner, S Hirini (K Simon 51), L Mikaele-Tu'u. Wales J Joyce; L Norkett (M Webb 62), C Williams-Morris, H Jones, L Neumann; E Snowsill (L George 56), K Bevan (F Lewis, 52); C Hope (G Pyrs 49), C Phi){kind=link}
The Black Ferns’ nine-try win saw Portia Woodman become the most decorated try scorer – male or female – in World Cup history
So far, so good for New Zealand. For the second time in three weeks, the reigning world champions blew Wales away with their silky offloading game, blistering back line and brute power to reach the semi-finals of their own tournament.
New Zealand Rugby had courted controversy in the build up to this match for not realising the All Blacks’ meeting with Japan on their northern tour clashed with the biggest match their women’s team have played all year.
Those who tuned in were treated to a feast of running rugby on a night when Portia Woodman became the most decorated try scorer – male or female – in World Cup history, further cementing her status as arguably the greatest winger in the women’s game.
At times it felt like watching a box-office blockbuster, so compelling was the Black Ferns’ electric performance which yielded nine tries. A semi-final showdown with France now awaits.