Ireland face Scotland test

Ireland will play Scotland on Tuesday in a bid to finish as high as fifth in the final placings at the Women's Rugby World Cup following their win over South Africa on Friday night.

Scotland, despite a brave performance against New Zealand, which saw them trail 6-0 at half time, end up in fifth place thanks to an inferior points difference to Canada and France. Ireland's win saw them climb the table to finish 8th - aided by Spain's shock win over Samoa.

Ireland beat Scotland just a week before their departure for the World Cup and if they win they could finish fifth in the final table - a remarkable feat considering their two early losses against France and the USA.

New Zealand finished top of the pool standings at the IRB Women's Rugby World Cup after defeating Scotland 21-0 and will play France in the semi finals.

England also retained their unbeaten run, defeating France 27-8, and they will play Canada in the other semi.

USA defeated Australia 10-6, but results elsewhere meant that they finished sixth and will play the Wallaroos once again in the first knockout stage.

Spain's surprise 14-12 win over Samoa at Ellerslie Rugby Park allowed Ireland to sneak into eighth position and, with it, a chance of finishing fifth overall.

Samoa will play South Africa and Spain will face Kazakhstan in the first knockout round to decide positions 9-12.

The first knockout round, including the semi finals, takes place on Tuesday September 12.