USA joins New Zealand, England and France in semi-finals

As the group stage of the Women's World Cup 2017 came to a conclusion, it is New Zealand, defending champions England, France and USA, who managed to make it to the semi-finals after an intriguing round three in Dublin.

New Zealand extended their dominance in the tournament with a third bonus point victory, this time Canada being the victim as they succumbed to a 5-48 defeat at Billings Park on Thursday. Prop Aldora Itunu scored a hat-trick for Black Ferns while Selica Winiata, Stacey Waaka, Kelly Brazier, Fiao'o Fa'amausili and Renee Wickliffe were the other try scorers as they finished Pool A at the top with 15 points.

In an exciting Pool B deciding contest, it was England, who emerged victorious with a 47-26 triumph over USA. Marlie Packer scored a double while Emily Scarratt, Katy McLean, Amy Wilson-Hardy and Amy Cockayne also crossed over as England amassed another bonus point victory and also the pole position in Pool B. Despite, the defeat, USA made it to the semi-final as they qualified as the fourth best team in the tournament with 11 points.

Host Ireland failed to conquer the French challenge as they were beaten 21-5 in the deciding Pool C encounter. France scored all their points in the first half as Ireland struggled to get back into the game with only Cliodhna Moloney scoring a last minute consolation try.

Australia, Spain and Wales too managed to register their first win of the tournament in the final group stage against Japan, Italy and Hong Kong respectively.

New Zealand will take on USA while England will lock horns with France in the semi-finals with both the matches scheduled on 22nd August at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

Round three:

Canada 5-48 New Zealand
England 47-26 USA
Italy 8-22 Spain
Australia 29-15 Japan
Wales 39-15 Hong Kong
France 21-5 Ireland