Black Ferns produce outstanding team display to dominate Scotland

The Black Ferns head into the women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals off the back of a confidence-boosting performance against Scotland in their final pool match.

Sarah Hirini
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

New Zealand dominated Scotland from the outset in Whangārei, with a first half onslaught for the 57-0 bonus point win.

Coach Wayne Smith brought in halfback Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu as skipper – while explosive winger Ayesha Leti-L’iga made her World Cup debut back from injury.

Hazel Tubic started at first-five, in place of regular co-captain Ruahei Demant.

Despite the raft of changes to the side the Blacks Ferns were cohesive and prolific on attack.

New Zealand fullback Renee Holmes crossed the line in the second minute before World Cup debutante Ayesha Leti-L’iga followed eight minutes later.

With the floodgates opened, Sarah Hirini, No.8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Theresa Fitzpatrick dotted down before fleet-footed back Renee Wickliffe scored a brace of tries.

New Zealand accumlated a total of seven first-half tries to lead 45-0 at half-time including five conversions to fullback Renee Holmes.

Scotland absorbed the pressure in the second-half with a much tighter contest but their World Cup journey has come to an end.

Maiakawanakualani Roos and Holmes scored New Zealand’s two unanswered tries in the second-half.

The Black Ferns, with bonus point wins in both their opening games, and the demolition of Scotland, have offered up plenty of selection options for coach Wayne Smith in the knockout stages.

New Zealand have qualified top of pool A – with their opponent in next weekend’s quarterfinals still to be confirmed.

Earlier Australia booked their place in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 13-7 win over Wales.