The Black Ferns produced a nine-try display to cruise past Bryan Easson's side at the Northland Events Centre in Whangārei.

Renee Holmes amassed 22 points from two tries and six conversions in a fine individual performance.

The win maintains New Zealand's perfect record and seals their place at the top of Group A.

"We got caught cold a little bit, but second half we kept the ball so much better," Easson told BBC Sport.

"It shows what they're all about.

"We're ready to kick on again and we want to be back on this stage.

"The two losing bonus points could have been two wins - that's how close we are."

Australia claimed second place in Group A and a safe passage to the knockout rounds with a hard-fought 13-7 win against Wales in Whangārei.

Lori Cramer kicked two penalties which made the difference and leaves Wales in third-place in the standings.

They were awarded a losing bonus point which could help them to advance as one of the two best third-placed finishers depending on the outcome of the remaining group matches.

Australia took the lead in the fifth minute when Iliseva Batibasaga collected the ball at the back of a ruck, before dummying a pass to give herself a clear route to the line, with Cramer slotting the conversion.

Wales levelled in the 23^rd minute when Sioned Harries scored from a close-range pick and go which was complimented by Elinor Snowsill's conversion.

However, Welsh indiscipline gave Australia the lead again through Cramer's boot and they were unable to reel in the Wallaroos.

The third game of the day in Whangārei saw France beat Fiji 44-0.

Both teams went into the contest with a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals but Les Bleus took control early on and ended the game with seven tries.

The last group games are scheduled for tomorrow as Japan play Italy, Canada face the United States, and England challenge South Africa.