Unstoppable Portia Woodman leads Black Ferns to World Cup final

Woodman proved unstoppable, with the world number one-ranked nation crossing for seven tries.

Wing Portia Woodman scored four tries as New Zealand cruised into the Women's Rugby World Cup final by crushing the United States 45-12 in Belfast.

Woodman proved unstoppable at the Kingspan Stadium, with the world number one-ranked nation crossing for seven tries.

The United States led early in the first-half following a Kris Thomas try that Alev Kelter converted, but once the Black Ferns found their rhythm, there was no stopping them.

The four-time world champions took a third-minute lead when fly-half Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali touched down, and after their opponents briefly led, a Kendra Cocksedge penalty edged New Zealand back in front before she converted Woodman's opener to secure a 15-7 interval advantage.

A second Woodman score and Cocksedge penalty opened up a 16-point gap, and then New Zealand underlined their quality during a blistering final quarter that saw them claim four tries in 15 minutes.

Woodman added two more, then replacement hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate claimed another touchdown before Kelly Brazier completed an emphatic second-half display and Cocksedge converted.

New Zealand now go forward to Saturday's final, with the United States facing a third place play-off.