England and New Zealand set to face other in the final of Women's World Cup 2017
Captain Sharni Williams was among Australia's try scorers in the 36-24 victory over hosts Ireland at the Women's World Cup.
©PA
Defending champions England and New Zealand will face each other in the final of the 2017 Women's World Cup after they emerged victorious in the semi-final clashes against France and USA respectively in Belfast on Tuesday.
Semi-finals:
England 20 - 3 France
After the first half ended level at 3-3 with Emily Scarratt and Shannon Izar kicking penalties for the respective teams, tries from Sarah Bern and replacement Megan Jones proved enough as Simon Middleton's team completed a 20-3 win to reach the final.
New Zealand 45 - 12 USA
Wing Portia Woodman scored four tries for New Zealand as they trounced USA by 45-12 at Kingspan Stadium. The Black Ferns scored a total of seven tries to complete a resounding win that had set up the final with England leaving France and USA face each other in the third place play-off.
Meanwhile, Canada trounced Wales 52-0 to set up a fifth place play-off final against Australia, who saw through the Ireland challenge with a 36-24 triumph.
Spain and Italy will face other in the ninth place play-off after beating Hong Kong and Japan with a 31-7 and 22-0 margin respectively.
The last round of the tournament including the decisive final will be played in Belfast on Saturday.
Semi-final results:
Italy 22-0 Japan (9th place semi-final)
Ireland 24-36 Australia (5th place semi-final)
Spain 31-7 Hong Kong (9th place semi-final)
Canada 52-0 Wales (5th place semi-final)
New Zealand 45-12 USA (semi-final)
England 20-3 France (semi-final)
