10 Aug 2014

Black Ferns title defence over

9:31 am on 10 August 2014

The New Zealand's women's rugby team's World Cup title defence is over, with the Black Ferns failing to reach the semi-finals of the showpiece tournament for the first time.

Women's World Cup of Rugby. New Zealand versus United States of America. Claire Richardson (NZL) and Huriana Manuel (NZL) celebrate their try. 2014.

Womens World Cup of Rugby. New Zealand versus United States of America. Claire Richardson (NZL) and Huriana Manuel (NZL) celebrate their try. 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Women's World Cup of Rugby. New Zealand versus United States of America. Bui Baravilala ( USA ) and Honey Hireme (NZL). 2014.

Women's World Cup of Rugby. New Zealand versus United States of America. Bui Baravilala ( USA ) and Honey Hireme (NZL). 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

This morning's 34-3 trouncing of the United States in their final pool game in France was in vain, as the four-times champions failed to reach the final four for the first time.

A 13-13 draw between England and Canada cut the Black Ferns, who lost to Ireland earlier in the week, out of the semi-finals before their match against the U.S. had even begun.

The best place New Zealand can now hope for is fifth.

The loss to Ireland on Wednesday was only the second World Cup loss in history for the Black Ferns, the previous one coming in the 1991 semi-final when they lost 7-0 to the United States.

England will face Ireland and Canada will play hosts France in the semi-finals.