The Quarter-finals
The eight qualifiers were Australia, Canada, England, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland and South Africa.
To most jaundiced eyes there were four clear winners and four who were delighted to be at the party. Hindsight is a wondrous thing.
That is how things panned out across 13-14 September. Only one game proved tight, justifiably so, since France and Ireland were ranked 4th and 5th.
Ireland v France
The green shirts were all over les Bleues in the first 40. They took a 13-0 lead; it should and could have been more. Massive pressure just before the lemons failed to produce the extra points that were to prove vital at the end.
A yellow for Grace Moore didn’t help, but the French were still happy to call up Morgane Bourgeois to kick two penalties. A glorious run by Joanna Grisez added the vital 5 points that were to prove decisive.
This was heartbreak for the Irish who had come so close, but the narrowness of the French victory was a worrying augury for them.
Result: Ireland 13 France 18
New Zealand v South Africa
It looked like an upset in the first half; the Boks pack was all over the Ferns, who found themselves defending for their lives. Both sides crossed twice to offer an unfamiliar 10-10 half-time score.
It wasn’t to last. Even the introduction of a second bomb-squad could in no way hold a Ferns’ assault that knew it was high time they produced the goods.
The spectators had the pleasure of watching them unwrap some sublime rugby on a ground where they had started their disastrous 2021 tour.
The final score looks far from the grinding struggle it had been earlier. But should world champions have conceded three scores and looked in such discomfort against a strong pack?
Result: New Zealand 44 South Africa 17
England v Scotland
This Bristol game was as close to a home banker as you could get.
When Rachel Malcolm summoned Helen Nelson to aim for the posts in the opening moments, there were two reactions: that was clever! Get ahead, get points on the board to show we mean business. Or: why so defensive? Why not kick to the corner and do an “English” to the English? 0-3
The remaining 70-odd minutes pointed that way. The weather was foul, so it was natural for the Red Roses to rely on their pack for the bulk of their scores.
Holly Aitchison hoisted a pinpoint cross-kick for Abby Dow, then, much later, Zoe Harrison offered Aitchison a gilt-edged reverse to let her slip through to the line.
The Scots earned great credit for mounting a strong attack at the close. Rhona Lloyd writhed her way over in the right corner, for the English to concede their third try of the tournament.
Result: England 40 Scotland 8
Canada v Australia
Canada’s performance was an indication of what was to come.
Australia may have thought they could topple the second-ranked nation; they had been developing well. But the further the Exeter game went, the greater the distance set between the two teams.
For once in this tournament the side scoring first did go on to win. A Caroline Crossley break led to another try by Asia Hogan-Rochester down the left. The Wallaroos responded delightfully; slick handling gave Desiree Miller the chance to prove she was the equal of the other No 11.
But from there the Maple Leafs took charge. As they compiled 46 points, the sole consolation for the Wallaroos was limiting them to 15 second-half points.
With one eye firmly on the following weekend, Alex Tessier was happy to eat up time taking a late penalty.
The Canadian method, ultra quick recycling and all-round efficiency were the best preparation for the semis.
Result: Canada 46 Australia 5
So the stats guys who work out the fine details of the ranking system can put in for a rise. The four semi-finalists were ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
All too predictable? Some critics thought so, but the quality of the rugby had been undeniable and the size of the crowds quite remarkable.
The two published attendances were 12,116 at Exeter and 25,285 at Bristol.
Sandy Park had been the first English ground to boast a 5-figure gate. Now there even more people in attendance, but no England team.
The road ahead – another agonising week’s wait for four teams, their staffs and their fans.
