England defeated South Africa 75-0 at Auckland’s Waitakere Stadium on the final day of group play in the women’s Rugby World Cup, setting up a quarterfinal matchup with Australia the following weekend.
England’s 13-try victory earned them the third seed behind defending champions New Zealand and Canada, who overcame the United States 29-14 earlier in the day to set up Sunday’s quarterfinal matchup with their neighbors.
Favourites Pool C winners England will face Australia for a spot in the semi-finals, while Pool C runners-up New Zealand will face Wales.
Italy defeated Japan 21-8 in their final match to go to the quarterfinals against France, whom they defeated in their final tournament warm-up match.
“I am really pleased with our advancement to the quarterfinals, but not with our whole performance,” stated Italy head coach Andrea Di Giandomenico.
A tough day at the office as #WomensBoks‘ #RWC2021 campaign comes to an end in New Zealand. Well done and good luck to @EnglandRugby for the rest of the tournament. #TogetherMovingForward pic.twitter.com/56VPNd6cuJ
— Springbok Women (@WomenBoks) October 23, 2022
We cannot lose possession in our upcoming game, so we must work diligently and avoid making any errors.
Melissa Bettoni’s try in the 78th minute sealed Italy’s first-ever advancement to the quarterfinals, after Michela Sillari’s two second-half penalties had given Di Giandomenico’s team the lead.
Emily Tuttosi and Alex Tessier’s early tries gave Canada the lead over the United States, and despite Alev Kelter’s 19th-minute try, Paige Farries’ score gave Kevin Rouet’s squad a 19-7 halftime advantage.
Olivia DeMerchant scored at the hour mark to earn a bonus point for the Canadians, and Mikiela Nelson crossed the goal line in the waning seconds.
England’s forwards were totally dominant against a South African team that required an improbable victory in the day’s final match to advance to the quarterfinals ahead of Wales.
It remains attack, attack for England and defence, defence for #BokWomen
75-0 pic.twitter.com/NcijFcc0we— Springbok Women (@WomenBoks) October 23, 2022
Second tier Rose Galligan and Connie Powell both scored three tries, while Poppy Cleall and Sadia Kabeya each scored two.
In a one-sided contest, Shaunagh Brown, Marlie Packer, and Abby Dow also contributed goals.
The victory extended the English’s record streak of straight victories to 28, which dates back to 2019 when they lost to New Zealand.
“We talked earlier today about being good defensively and putting a lot of pressure on South Africa because we know how dangerous they can be if you give them room,” said England coach Simon Middleton.
“However, I’m also quite impressed with the game’s balance; we attacked from a variety of locations, and we were quite delighted.
It will be nice just to go to the quarterfinals regardless of who we face, but playing Australia is especially exciting because we don’t see each other often and it will be a tremendous match.