Sports Desk, 9 Oct. First-time leaders New Zealand, Canada and England kick off the Women’s Rugby World Cup in the Maritimes this weekend.
The locals had a feast against arch-rivals Australia at Eden Park on Saturday, beating them 41-17 after a full second half to go into the break at a disadvantage (12-17).
The New Zealanders, defending the title they won in Ireland five years ago, managed six tries, three from Portia Woodman, two from Ruby Tui and one each from Joanna Nagan-Woo and Avhina Tangan-Wainohu.
In Sunday’s other Group A match, world number eight Wales beat tenth-ranked Scotland 18-15 in a thrilling final at the Northland Events Center in Whangarei.
XV del Garda forced an equalizer with two tries from Megan Gaffney, but in the final action, already in extra time, and after more than twenty phases of attack, the Welsh managed to force a penalty kick that Keira Bevan converted (m.86 ) to seal the win for her team.
Canada did not take kindly to Japan this Sunday in Whangarei. They won 41-5 with three tries from Emily Tutossi, two from Brianna Miller and one each from Paige Farris and Nikila Nelson.
The Americans take the lead in Group B over Italy, who outshot the United States 22-10 in the first half (7-5).
The Americans soon went ahead with a goal from Hallie Daufou, but Italy responded, reaching half-time thanks to Vittoria Ostuni Minucci and after the break, fresh efforts from Ara Musso (two) and Maria Makatti gave them the start they wanted in the world. Cup.
Reigning runners-up and top-ranked England beat Fiji 84-19 at Eden Park on Saturday. The result was a reflection of their complete and overwhelming superiority, especially in the second half. Fourteen essays, four by Claudia McDonald, two by Amy Cocain and Lydia Thompson, and one by Abby Ward, Helena Rowland, Joe Aldcroft, Abby Dow, Leanne Infante, and Connie Powell.
Oceanic more or less lasted for the first 40 minutes. They went into halftime with a 24-14 lead. Later they fell apart and allowed the festival of ‘Red Roses’.
France, bronze medalists at the last two World Cups, will take on England in Whangarei on Saturday. They easily beat South Africa (40-5) with two scores from Laure Sanchez. EFE
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