The French were the first team to book their place in the final four of the women's 15-a-side rugby union tournament, beating Italy 39-3.

Joanna Grisez scored a hat-trick of tries, Laure Touye scored one and there was also a penalty try at Northland Events Centre in Whangārei.

New Zealand then smashed Wales 55-3 at the same venue, in a match which controversially clashed with the men's team playing in Japan.

The Black Ferns ran in nine tries, with Portia Woodman and Luka Connor scoring two apiece.

Woodman now has a record 20 Rugby World Cup tries.

New Zealand - the defending champions - and France will meet in the semi-finals.

Tomorrow's other two quarter-finals will see top-ranked England taking on Australia and Canada play the United States.