Black Ferns rout Wales to reach semifinals

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THUMPING: Trisha Hina of New Zealand in action against Wales.

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New Zealand have swept into the semifinals of the Women's World Cup with 41-8 seven try thumping of Wales.

The Black Ferns, chasing a fourth successive World Cup title, confirmed their class in their final pool match at the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford, England overnight, by tearing the Welsh apart in the second half.

After losing to Australia and South Africa, a much-improved Wales matched the New Zealanders up front for long periods but over the full 80 minutes the Black Ferns were much the better side.

Wales scored a try through wing Caryl James just before half time -- only the second try conceded by New Zealand in the tournament -- but after that they suffered from the inevitable backlash.

Captain for the day, Victoria Grant, showed class and poise, open side flanker Joan Sione put in a strong case for semi final selection and both Rebecca Mahoney and Kelly Brazier, who scored a hat-trick of tries, gave mature performances in changed positions at first five and full back respectively.

Grant said the Welsh made it tough in the first 40 minutes but the New Zealanders' running rugby in the second half was too good. "Every game we are trying to raise the bar that extra notch," she said.

However, the penalty count was against them, which they would need to address, she said.

"We were just getting killed on penalties, especially in that first half, and we really have to look at what we are doing wrong. So we'll go back to the drawing board and break it down on the video."

Welsh wing Non Evans said her team had played well enough to beat other teams but they could not beat NZ.

"They run at you, they run with conviction. Every single player on their team believes they can break the game line, break the tackles and score tries.

"They are an excellent side and I would like to see them go on and win the World Cup."

New Zealand coach Brian Evans said there was still plenty for his team to work on, despite the team scoring some great tries.

"I think our try scoring ability is awesome. The players certainly know their way to the try line and they strung some really good movements together."

New Zealand 41 (Kelly Brazier 3, Rebecca Mahoney, Victoria Grant, Halie Hurring, and Monalisa Codling tries, Mahoney, Brazier and Kendra Cocksedge conversions)

Wales 8 (Caryl James try, Non Evans pen).

Halftime: 17-8.

- NZPA