Dominant New Zealand sweep aside Wales

New Zealand secured a bonus point within 28 minutes of this Pool A clash with Wales, eventually going on to win their second Rugby World Cup 2021 match 56-12.

After the hosts played at Eden Park in Auckland when they defeated Australia in week one, they were at the Waitakere Stadium in the same city this time around and there was a great atmosphere.

Wales, eighth in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings powered by Capgemini, were the underdogs coming into this one against the second ranked team, but they were feeling good after a battling win over Scotland seven days before.

The score remained at 0-0 until the 17th minute here when New Zealand began to get their offloading game going.

Second-row Chelsea Bremner got their first try and then, three minutes later, star winger Portia Woodman made use of some good handling inside her to go over out wide.

There was then a wonderful moment for the hosts when another sweeping move was finished off by teenage centre Sylvia Brunt in the 25th minute.

None of the first three tries were converted, but the Black Ferns were in full flow and try number four - for the bonus point - came just before the half hour mark through Woodman.

She showed amazing footwork and strength to score her fifth try of this competition and fly-half - and captain - Ruahei Demant added the extras.

Wales could have folded at this stage, but credit to them as they got their set piece working and, from a strong lineout drive just before half-time, scrum-half Ffion Lewis dived over for a try from short range. Stand-off Elinor Snowsill converted and it was 22-7.

That score given away before the interval seemed to annoy New Zealand because they came out firing at the start of the second period.

Firstly, second-row Maia Roos found a way over for try number five, converted by Demant, and then centre Theresa Fitzpatrick added another five points.

It was one way traffic once again and, in the 49th minute, Brunt got her second try of the game. It was not converted, but at 39-7 New Zealand were well in control.

Try number eight came before the hour mark when replacement front-row Krystal Murray used her power to get over the line. Demant converted and the home side were 46-7 to the good.

Wales thought they had scored their second try soon after when their forwards edged over the line, but Woodman somehow ripped the ball away and New Zealand stood firm.

With 12 minutes to go New Zealand replacement Sarah Hirini was yellow carded, but with 14 players they bagged try number nine through Demant.

Number eight Charmaine McMenamin joined Hirini in the sin bin with five minutes to go and Sioned Harries, McMenamin's opposite number, took advantage against 13 to score an unconverted try.

When New Zealand were back up to 14 with the clock heading into the red full-back Ruby Tui was set up by Woodman for try number 10. It was unconverted, but it did not matter.