The Black Ferns delivered their most commanding performance of the Women’s Rugby World Cup so far, thrashing Ireland 40-0 in Brighton to claim top spot in their pool and book a quarter-final against South Africa.
After withstanding heavy early pressure, New Zealand’s defence set the tone while Braxton Sorensen-McGee scored a hat-trick for the second consecutive game.
Stacey Waaka, Chryss Viliko and Maia Joseph also crossed the line, with Renee Holmes kicking five conversions.
Despite some handling errors, scrum pressure, and injuries to starting props, the Black Ferns’ attack, defence, and kicking game all clicked in a clinical statement win over a side that had twice beaten them in recent years.
