England stands in way of Black Ferns' third title

England, the last side to beat the Black Ferns five years ago, are the final obstacle in the way of New Zealand winning a third women's World Cup.

The tournament's top seeds progressed to Monday's final with contrasting semifinal victories in Canada yesterday to set up an exciting rematch of 2002.

While the Black Ferns notched a comfortable 40-10 win over France, the English were pushed harder than expected before prevailing 20-14 over competition hosts Canada.

Canada, beaten 66-7 by New Zealand in the tournament's curtainraiser, subsequently improved and threatened a big upset yesterday when fullback Helen Moyse scored two second-half tries.

New Zealand were largely untroubled yesterday although they conceded two tries - the first points conceded since the opener against Canada.

However, the Black Ferns rallied after each setback to prevent the French building momentum.

Eventually, they replicated the winning margin they achieved in the semifinals four years ago in Spain.

Impressive flanker Rochelle Martin scored a double while potent fullback Amiria Marsh and veteran five-eighths Anna Richards also weighed in as the contest slipped from the underdogs' grasp.

Marsh scored in the first minute - and lock Victoria Heighway with time up on the clock - as the Black Ferns maintained the pressure in a useful hit-out before the final.

"I'm happy with the way we kept the intensity up," coach Jed Rowlands said, singling out openside Martin for particular praise.

"Dale [assistant coach Dale Atkins] has been challenging her to get her lines right and she had an outstanding game in support."

Captain Farah Palmer, who retires after the final, was also delighted for her vice-captain. "She often runs those supporting lines and doesn't get the ball so it was nice she got on the board."

Although the victory margin was conclusive, the French pack did apply pressure for sustained periods, with their first try following the fragmentation of a New Zealand defensive scrum feed five metres from their line.

Rowlands admitted the tight five would face an even tougher test against a giant English pack.

"I always thought they'd be our main rivals. They're strong up front," said Rowlands, who hoped New Zealand loose forward and back play would negate any English advance at the set piece.

The back division clicked again with Richards releasing a potent midfield of Exia Edwards and Huriana Manuel.

Centre Manuel, 20, in just her second season in the squad, is now a fixture after exceeding Rowlands' expectations.

"We saw her as a player of the future but she's come on quicker than we thought," he said.

Palmer confirmed the team would not deviate from the "wide, wide" approach against England, a game plan that has reaped 177 points in four matches.

"We still need to work on the breakdown and not get blown off the ball," she said.

"There's a few things we can polish up."

CUP FINAL

England V NZ
* Monday, 11am live TV3

- NZPA