ENGLAND TO MEET NEW ZEALAND IN WORLD CUP FINAL

England's women recorded an impressive 15-0 win over Australia in the Women's Rugby World Cup and in the process set up a clash with the all conquering New Zealand side.

The Black Ferns have eased their way through the tournament and looked formidable in defeating France 45-7 in their semi-final. The two sides will now meet in a repeat of the 2006 final when New Zealand claimed a 25-17 win to lift the trophy.

A late penalty and Two first half tries from Catherine Spencer and Danielle Waterman helped England get past a battling Australia side who pushed Gary Street's team all the way.

England's women now have the opportunity to go one better than their male counterparts who 19 years ago also made the final of their home World Cup, only to be beaten in a close final against Australia.

"This has prepared us perfectly for the final against New Zealand," said captain Catherine Spencer. "It would be great to beat them on home soil and I definitely believe we are good enough to do it. I really believe there is more to come from this unit."

Spencer got the ball rolling in the semi-final when England used the strength of their pack to force the Australian scrum into reverse and the captain duly crashed over the line for the first score of the game.

The pack continued to dominate the Wallaroo's who had no answer to England's power and strength and it was no surprise when once again they were forced backwards and full-back Danielle Waterman squeezed over the line.

In the second half England continued to dominate but could not find the elusive try that would have put the game beyond a doubt. A late penalty sealed a victory which was slightly marred by the injury to winger Fiona Pocock who has been in superb form throughout the tournament.

England now face the current World Champions but will head into the game with plenty of confidence having beaten the Black Ferns last year. "We can improve collectively and individually and an England-New Zealand final is a really exciting prospect," said Spencer.