THE ALL BRAX

Sorensen-McGee shines with treble as Ferns rip Ireland apart

- BY ED ELLIOT

TEENAGE star Braxton Sorensen-McGee grabbed a hat-trick as World Cup holders New Zealand claimed top spot in Pool C with a crushing victory over Ireland yesterday.

The 18-year-old wing capped a fine team move to help the Black Ferns establish a 19-0 halftime advantage at Brighton's Amex Stadium following finishes from Stacey Waaka and Chryss Viliko.

Sorensen-McGee stretched her side's lead in the 58th minute and then completed her treble with a late diving effort to take her tournament tally to six, prior to Maia Joseph adding a sixth try at the death.

Ireland, who progress as runners-up and will face Pool D winners France in the quarterfinals, had considerable support among a crowd of 30,017 but faded from a fast start.

A difficult outing for the Irish was compounded by full-back Stacey Flood leaving the field in a protective boot and centre Eve Higgins forced off for a head injury assessment.