New Zealand beats first-timer South Africa to reach Women’s Rugby World Cup semifinals
New Zealand absorbed its most physical test at the Women’s Rugby World Cup by overrunning South Africa 46-17 to reach the semifinals in Exeter on Saturday.
South Africa made no secret of its simple game plan for its first-ever quarterfinal — it was coming hard and direct. And by halftime it was an impressive 10-10 with the six-time world champion Black Ferns, who haven’t lost a knockout match in 27 years.
But New Zealand showed its class in the new half; scoring within 37 seconds and rolling home with ultimately a convincing victory by eight tries to three.
The Black Ferns will face either Canada or Australia in the semifinals next week.
New Zealand’s kick chase, crisp handling and turnover skills overwhelmed the Springbok Women.
No. 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker was the player of the match, three weeks after she was carried from the field in tears with a serious-looking ankle injury, and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, the Black Ferns’ youngest player at 18, extended her tournament lead in tries (eight) and points (52).
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