Three first-half tries by fullback Amiria Marsh propelled defending champion New Zealand to a 50-0 victory over Samoa at the Women's Rugby World Cup on Monday.
Also, France brought Australia to earth with a 24-10 win, England overwhelmed South Africa 74-8, Scotland outlasted Kazakhstan 32-17, the US rebounded from an opening loss to England by defeating Ireland 24-11, and Canada spanked Spain 79-0.
Only New Zealand, France, England and Scotland remain unbeaten after two rounds. With semi-final berths at stake in Friday's last preliminary round, key matches include England vs. France and Australia vs. US, with points difference likely to be needed.
PHOTO: AFP
Most of Samoa's squad play in New Zealand but its knowledge was no help as the Black Ferns posted eight tries following a 10-try rout of host Canada last Friday.
Beside the expert support of Marsh, the other tryscorers were winger Victoria Blackledge, captain Rochelle Martin, her replacement No. 8 Rachel Makata, flanker Melissa Ruscoe, and replacement fullback Anna Richards.
Their defense held out the Samoans, who had prolonged periods of attack in the second half.
PHOTO: AFP
"We feel that with Canada and Samoa as our first two matches we have gotten our two solid and physical matchups out of the way," said New Zealand coach Jed Rowlands.
France captain Estelle Sartini set up a sixth-minute try for winger Catherine Devilliers, then took advantage of Australian Paige Butcher's sinbinning to put over No. 8 Delphine Plantet.
Devilliers' second touchdown made it 17-0 at halftime, and center Dalila Boukerma's converted try made it 24-0 before Australia finally answered through replacement flanker Kim Wilson.
"We defended very well," Sartini said. "The Australians were very big and could have bullied us but we didn't let that happen and we took the game to them."
England captain Sue Day scored four of its 12 tries against South Africa, and flyhalf Shelley Rae contributed a try and seven conversions.
The US took advantage of their forward might and drove over flanker Phaidra Knight and lock Erin Carter for converted tries and a 14-3 halftime lead. Flyhalf Kristin Baja scored within two minutes of the restart, but while Knight was yellow-carded Ireland crossed through prop Gillian McAlister. Knight returned to claim a vital bonus-point try.
Scotland appeared to have victory in hand when it led 25-5 but two late tries lifted Kazakhstan within eight, and it took a last-second try by Scotland winger Rhona Shepherd, in her 50th cap, to seal the result.
Winger Maria Gallo notched five tries for Canada in a 13-try demolition of Spain, which played without Ines Alberdi Etxegibel, who was suspended for one match for stamping in the previous game against Scotland.
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