Defending champions New Zealand booked their place in the IRB Women's Rugby World Cup final with a hard fought, but impressive 40-10 defeat of France at Ellerslie Rugby Park.
The Black Ferns could not have asked for a better start to the match, a stolen lineout throw resulting in a break by Exia Edwards for full back Amiria Marsh to score within a minute.
However fears that New Zealand would then run away with it proved unfounded as France hit back after some prolonged pressure. Dalila Bourkerma thought she had scored only to be pulled back for a knock on, but from the resulting scrum France stole the ball and number 8 Delphine Plantet powered over.
New Zealand's response was immediate, another great break by centre Huriana Manuel saw the supporting Rochelle Martin score, before an Emma Jensen penalty stretched the lead to 15-5 after 12 minutes.
That seemed set to be the half time score until a great pick up from the powerful Marsh saw Martin again pop up in support to claim her second try of the match and give her side a 20-5 advantage at the break.
More of the same
The second half began just as the first with a try for Jensen in little over a minute, but once again France hit back instantly when Corrine Devroute charged down a kick and scored after a quick one-two with Aline Sagols.
Manuel looked to have put the match beyond France in the 51st minute with a try her performance deserved, but a great last ditch tackle by captain Estelle Sartini dislodged the ball over the line.