Women's Rugby World Cup: Quarter Finals - Heartbreak for Ireland as England progress to semi-finals

World champions New Zealand overcame a shaky start to see off a spirited South Africa and book their place in the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-finals.

The Springbok Women, playing in their first Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final stunned the title holders early when Babalwa Latsha powered over from close range. The Black Ferns hit back through Theresa Setefano and teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee, but Aphiwe Ngwevu’s effort levelled the scores at 10–10 by the interval.

Allan Bunting’s side regrouped superbly after the break, scoring five second-half tries as their attack finally clicked. Full-back Renee Holmes crossed twice, Sorensen-McGee grabbed her second, and number eight Kaipo Olsen-Baker marked her return from injury with a brace. Replacement Katelyn Vahaakolo added the finishing touch to a dominant closing spell.

South Africa, who had already exceeded expectations by reaching the last eight, had the consolation of a late try from Lerato Makua. Captain Nolusindiso Booi was lifted aloft at the final whistle as her side celebrated a landmark campaign. New Zealand march on to face Canada in Bristol on Friday, but their inconsistent start will give the Maple Leafs encouragement ahead of what promises to be a heavyweight semi-final clash.

Tries: 8 (Setefano, Sorensen-McGee (2), Holmes (2), Olsen-Baker (2), Vahaakolo)
Cons: 3 (Holmes, Sorensen-McGee 2)

Tries: 3 (Latsha, Ngwevu, Makua)
Con: 1 (Dolf)

Canada stormed into the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-finals with a ruthless seven-try victory over Australia, further underlining their credentials as genuine title contenders.

The Maple Leafs raced into an early lead as Asia Hogan-Rochester struck within minutes, before Alysha Corrigan added a brace with a brilliant one-handed finish among the highlights. Captain Sophie de Goede crossed for try of her own and McKinley Hunt powered over from a line-out to cap a dominant first-half display that left the Wallaroos trailing 31–5 at the break.

Australia’s sole response came from a breakaway try by Desiree Miller, but Jo Yapp’s side had no answer to Canada’s relentless tempo and slick handling. Number eight Fabiola Forteza and veteran flanker Karen Paquin added second-half scores as Kevin Rouet’s side comfortably closed out victory in front of more than 16,000 fans.

For Canada, who lost their only previous final appearance to England in 2014, the challenge now is dethroning defending champions New Zealand in Friday’s semi-final. Australia, meanwhile, exit at the last-eight stage, their campaign highlighting both their promise and the pressing need for greater backing for the Wallaroos.

Tries: 7 (Hogan-Rochester, Corrigan (2), De Goede, Hunt, Forteza, Paquin)
Cons: 4 (De Goede 4).
Pen: 1 (Tessier)

Tries: 1 (Miller)

France staged a dramatic second-half comeback to overturn a 13–0 deficit and deny Ireland a place in the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-finals.

Scott Bemand’s side had dominated the opening half, with Linda Djougang powering over before Stacey Flood added a second try while France were reduced to 14. Fly-half Dannah O’Brien kicked a penalty to extend the lead, and when French captain Manae Feleu was yellow-carded just before the break, Ireland looked set for a historic win.

But France found another gear after the interval. Morgane Bourgeois narrowed the gap with a penalty, Charlotte Escudero’s converted try set nerves jangling, and then Joanna Grisez produced a breathtaking run from inside her own half to complete the turnaround. Bourgeois’ second penalty gave Les Bleues enough of a cushion to withstand late Irish pressure, even as Alexandra Chambon was shown their third yellow card.

The match was marred by controversy as French back row Axelle Berthoumieu was cited afterwards for a bite on Ireland’s Aoife Wafer, who had only just returned from successive knee injuries. Ireland’s dream of a first semi-final since 2014 slipped away, while France march on to face England.

Tries: 2 (Escudero, Grisez)
Cons: 1 (Bourgeois)
Pens: 2 (Bourgeois 2)

Tries: 2 (Djougang, Flood)
Pen: 1 (O’Brien)

England powered into the semi-finals with a 40–8 victory over Scotland, extending their world-record winning streak to 31 Tests. Holly Aitchison ran the show at fly-half, finishing with 15 points, while Kelsey Clifford’s brace set the platform in a dominant first half.

Scotland had started brightly, Helen Nelson’s penalty handing them an early lead after a surge from Evie Gallagher and Fran McGhie. But John Mitchell’s side quickly responded, as Clifford burrowed over twice and Morwenna Talling added another score. Abby Dow marked her 50th international try to put the Red Roses in full control at the break.

In difficult conditions, England’s depth told again. Amy Cokayne finished off a maul try before Aitchison darted over following neat interplay with replacement Zoe Harrison. The relentless defensive pressure and set-piece precision England pride themselves on proved far too much for Scotland.

Rhona Lloyd, ever Scotland’s sharpest attacking threat, struck at the death after good work from Francesca McGhie to ensure the underdogs signed off with a try. It also marked the final Test outing for talismanic No. 8 Jade Konkel, who bows out from international duty after 74 caps.

England now face France in Bristol, while New Zealand and Canada will contest the other semi-final.

Tries: 5 (Clifford (2), Talling, Dow, Cokayne, Aitchison)
Cons: 5 (Aitchison 5)

Tries: 1 (Lloyd)
Pen: 1 (Nelson)