Hosts England will face Australia in one semi final, with New Zealand taking on France in the other after a dramatic climax to the pool stages of Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 before a sell-out crowd at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford.

England are the top seeds after the pool stages, by virtue of a better point differential than New Zealand, after both finished with a maximum 15 points, two more than France who are the other Pool winner.

Three-time defending champions New Zealand will face France in the first semi final at the Twickenham Stoop on Wednesday 1, September at 18:00 local time, before England take on Australia at 20:15 local time.

New Zealand were the first to confirm their place after beating Wales 41-8 to top Pool A, swiftly followed by France who overcame Canada 23-8 in the Pool C decider with England the final Pool winner to be confirmed after a 37-10 defeat of the USA.

The race to secure the remaining semi final spot, as the best second placed team across the pools, was a complex one with Canada initially holding it before Australia stuck to their task and beat South Africa 62-0, surpassing the 56-point margin they needed at the death to end Canada's hopes.

Ireland were another side in contention for the coveted spot, but despite beating Kazakhstan 37-3 were well short of their required point target, leaving them to battle it out for fifth to eighth places with Canada, USA and Scotland.

South Africa, Wales, Sweden and Kazakhstan will play-off for ninth to 12th places.

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