English Woman's Journal - Sorensen-McGee scores a hat-trick as Women's World Cup holders New Zealand thrash Ireland

Victory saw the record six-time World Cup winners gain revenge for their shock 29-27 loss to Ireland at last year's WXV tournament in Vancouver, with 18-year-old wing Sorensen-McGee leading the way on Sunday as the Black Ferns scored six tries in total.

Both teams had already reached the quarter-finals before kick-off in their concluding pool game on England's south coast, with the only outstanding issue the finishing order.

But New Zealand's third win from as many group matches means they will now face the loser of Sunday's Pool D clash between France and South Africa in the last eight.

"Job done, pretty proud of that one," said New Zealand coach Allan Bunting.

"Scott (Bemand) and the Irish ladies really threw everything at us and put us under a lot of pressure but we were formidable on D (defence), we didn't want to let them past and that's what it's going to take to go further in this competition."

Ireland, who will now take on the Pool D winners in the last eight, were unable to break down a dogged New Zealand defence, having defiantly stared down the Black Ferns' pre-match Haka challenge.

A tough day for Ireland was made worse by full-back Stacey Flood leaving the field in a protective boot and centre Eve Higgins going off the pitch for a head injury assessment.

"New Zealand are a physical team so we've got to find a way to cross the whitewash when we get those opportunities," said Ireland coach Bemand.

- Japan bow out with Spain win -

Earlier in Pool C, Japan bid farewell to this World Cup by overturning a nine-point deficit at half-time to beat Spain 29-21 in York.

Both sides were bidding for their first win of the tournament and Spain were well-placed when leading 14-5 at the break.

Japan, however, scored three tries in 16 minutes in the second half before Spain lost Anne Fernandez de Corres to a yellow card.

Japan coach Lesley McKenzie was proud of how her side regrouped at half-time.

"(I told them) to collect all the positives, which were numerous in the first half, and keep some patience and we will get the rewards in the second half," she said.

"We were in control in terms of territory and possession but a little impatient, which is one of our vices... have some faith in the process, and we got there.".

In another match between two previously winless sides at the tournament, Italy hammered Brazil, the first South American team to compete at a Women's Rugby World Cup, 64-3.

Le Azzurre ran in 12 tries, six in each half, with Francesca Granzotto and Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi both scoring hat-tricks.

For Italy there was the frustration of what might have been after losses to France and South Africa put paid to their quarter-final hopes.

Nevertheless, Italy coach Fabio Roselli said: "I am very proud. We have a lot of young players, who are at their first Rugby World Cup. They show great potential."

Brazil counterpart Emiliano Caffera was proud that his side had shown "the world Brazil has rugby 15s" but pleaded for an enhanced fixture schedule in order to improve after a third heavy defeat in England.

"Now what we need is more games, more tournaments, more support," he insisted. "We play two or three games a year; I want to play nine, 10, 12 games a year."

F.Stewart--EWJ