Hat-trick for prop in easy NZ victory

The Black Ferns have qualified for the Women’s Rugby World Cup semifinals, likely as the top seeds, after routing Canada.

Prop Aldora Itunu scored a hattrick as New Zealand ran in eight tries at Billings Park in Dublin, in a 48-5 victory to end pool A play yesterday.

The Black Ferns also played 20 minutes of the match with 14 players as Itunu, in the first half, and lock Eloise Blackwell, in the second half, spent time in the sinbin.

With three bonus-point wins, New Zealand ended pool play with 15 points and a points differential of plus-196. England or the USA in Pool B, and France in pool C, have a chance to join them on 15 points but are unlikely to beat their points difference.

‘‘This was the team we were waiting for and we wanted to shut them down early,’’ said captain Fiao’o Faamausili, who scored a try in her 50th match for the Black Ferns. ‘‘I’m pleased with where we’re at but there’s still a lot of work to do.’’

Fullback Selica Winiata, who scored a hat-trick against Wales earlier in the tournament, opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Itunu scored the first two of her three as the Black Ferns jumped out to a 19-0 lead. Itunu was yellow-carded for a high tackle in the 29th minute.

Canada weren’t able to take advantage of the extra player, with Stacey Waaka and Kelly Brazier scoring for New Zealand before the end of the half, going into the break up 29-0.

Faamausili opened the secondhalf scoring in the 51st minute before Blackwell was yellowcarded for grabbing an opponent around the neck while clearing out a ruck in the 59th minute. This time, Canada were able to get on the board, with Jacey Grusnick finishing off after a series of offloads.

The Black Ferns immediately answered with Renee Wickliffe scoring in the 64th minute before player of the match Itunu completed her hat-trick in the 70th minute.

New Zealand will play their semifinal on Wednesday against the USA. Defending champion England will play France in the other semifinal.