Rugby-England, NZ plot collision course in World Cup quarter-finals

(Reuters) - While most eyes will be on England and New Zealand as they chart a course to meet in the women's World Cup final, the clash between France and Italy could end up being the pick of this weekend's four quarter-finals.

Favourites England will be confident of romping past a tough but limited Australia side on Sunday for a 29th successive win, while hosts and holders New Zealand will renew acquaintance with a Wales side they thrashed 56-12 in the pool stage.

Canada have an even more recent form guide for their meeting with the United States on Sunday having beaten the Eagles 29-14 last weekend to extend their winning streak over their neighbours to six matches.

The opening quarter-final between France and Italy should be an altogether more intriguing matchup between the two sides playing a similar style who split two warm-up matches before the tournament.

Fourteen of Italy's starting team that upset the French 26-19 in September will take to the field in Whangarei on Saturday for the nation's first World Cup knockout match.

"They are capable of threatening us on the field, anytime, anywhere," said France captain Gaelle Hermet.

"This is a team that has evolved enormously in the game and collectively that is impressive. I think we will have to show a great defensive spirit as we did in the last two games."

The reward for the winners is likely to be a semi-final against New Zealand, who have had to brush off a row about the scheduling of their quarter-final, which clashes with an All Blacks game in Tokyo.

The Black Ferns pack struggled against the Welsh forwards in the pool match but the back three of Ayesha Leti-l'iga, Portia Woodman and Ruby Tui should alone ensure they score enough points to get into the last four.

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