Play-offs previews

NEW Zealand have been the leading lights of this World Cup so far and head coach Glenn Moore is demanding even more ahead of their semi-final clash against the USA on Tuesday.

Qualifying as top seeds, the Black Ferns look like the team to beat in Ireland but two yellow cards in their 48-5 win over Canada on Thursday has left Moore wanting better.

“The yellow cards were not a pleasing aspect of that performance and our penalty count was too high,” he said. “I’m disappointed with those two areas.

“On the positive side, we made a big step up in our lineout, both in defence and attack. We can do a bit of work as well around the way we’re recycling the ball. We’ll prepare for the semi-final.”

Despite finishing third with only one win from their three pool game, will take

part in the 5th place play-offs with a semi-final clash against Canada.

Rowland Phillips’ side lost 15-0 to the 2014 finalists in their second pool game, but went on to beat Hong Kong 39-15 to end the pool stages as best third-placed team.

Ireland will have to get going again after they were halted by France in their quest for a semi-final spot on Thursday.

The hosts can still manage a fifth-place finish at their home World Cup and a clash against

Australia in the semi-finals curtain raiser at Ravenhill should give them the boost they need.

Spain impressed in their win against Italy on Thursday and they will be favourite to finish ninth against three teams who ended the pool stages winless.

They’ll take on Hong Kong, who conceded 243 points in three games, while Italy will battle it out with Japan.