Women's World Cup: France and Australia advance, Scotland bow out

France joined Australia in qualifying for the quarter-finals of the women's Rugby World Cup on Saturday after cruising past Fiji 44-0 as hosts New Zealand handed Scotland a 57-0 thrashing.

Two penalties from Lori Cramer earned Australia a hard-fought 13-7 victory over Wales that ensures Jay Tregonning's team finish second in Pool A behind New Zealand, who notched up a third successive bonus point win with their shutout of the Scots.

Australia and France join New Zealand as well as England and Canada in booking their place in the knockout round of the competition.

Ioan Cunningham's side could still advance as one of the two best third-placed finishers, depending on the outcome of the remaining group matches.

The Australians took the lead in the fifth minute when Iliseva Batibasaga gathered the ball at the back of a ruck before a dummied pass bought her the space to sprint under the posts to score and Cramer struck a successful conversion.

Wales levelled in the 23rd minute when Sioned Harries touched down after a pick-and-go from close range, and Elinor Snowsill's kick made it over the bar via the inside of the post.

Cramer's sweetly struck penalty on the stroke of halftime gave the Australians a slender advantage at the interval before both teams cancelled each other out throughout the second half.

Wales were given late hope when Australian replacement Kaitlan Leaney was given a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Alex Callender with 10 minutes remaining, but Cramer's penalty two minutes from time sealed the win.

Australia join New Zealand as well as England and Canada in booking their place in the next round of the competition.

The Black Ferns brushed Scotland aside with a devastating first half display with Renee Holmes