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Women's Rugby World Cup round-up: New Zealand cruise through to quarter-finals ahead of final pool clash with Ireland

Updated / Sunday, 31 Aug 2025 20:10
New Zealand full back Braxton Sorensen-McGee (R) scores a try against Japan
New Zealand full back Braxton Sorensen-McGee (R) scores a try against Japan

New Zealand joined Ireland in booking their place in the Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-finals after a comprehensive 62-19 victory over Japan in Exeter on Sunday.

Ireland had already all but sealed their place in the quarter-finals after beating Spain earlier in the day and the Black Ferns who will be the opposition for Scott Bemand's Irish side in their final pool match next Sunday, 7 September in Brighton, also made their way through.

Braxton Sorensen-McGee scored a hat-trick of tries for New Zealand as they claimed what looked a comfortable win on the scoreboard against the Japanese, but was a little more hard-fought than that.

They ran in 10 scores in all after leading 38-5 at half-time, but a red card for Laura Bayfield for collapsing a maul that led to a penalty try was a low moment/

South Africa beat Italy for the first time in their history with a 29-24 victory in York to reach a first World Cup quarter-final.

South Africa raced into a 17-5 lead early on, but Italy improved in the second period and fought back to 24-24 heading into the final five minutes.

South Africa's powerful forwards had the upper hand all game and Sinazo Mcatshulwa burrowed over from close range for the winning score to spark wild scenes of celebration.

France scored 14 tries as they thumped minnows Brazil 84-5 in the other match in the pool in Exeter. Ten different players crossed the tryline for France, who led 53-0 at halftime.

Wing Bianca Silva scored Brazil's first ever try at the World Cup in their debut appearance.

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Accreditation: Reuters

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