Black Ferns crush Spain 54-8 in Women’s Rugby World Cup opener

New Zealand Debuts with Victory in the Women’s Rugby World Cup

YORK, England – New Zealand began the defense of their title at the Women’s Rugby World Cup with a resounding 54-8 victory over Spain on Sunday. Although the marker suggests a relatively comfortable match for the Black Ferns, the reality was different, as the 7,458 spectators enjoyed an exciting rugby encounter. Spain matched New Zealand’s physical intensity and made the game difficult for the defending champions, achieving small victories during the first half. Their defense on the try line was solid and they played smart rugby, choosing the right moments to kick and run the ball. A try by Inés Antolínez Fernández in the 80th minute generated the biggest ovation of the afternoon, delighting Spanish and neutral fans. Mónica Castelo made 22 tackles, while Alba Campbell and Lourdes Alameda worked hard in the breakdown, where Spain had success at certain moments.

Although the Black Ferns did not seem to be in danger of conceding points in the first half, they were frustrated by handling errors that disrupted their rhythm and prevented more tries. Rugby sevens star Jorja Miller propelled New Zealand with two quick tries, the first on the left side after good footwork that destabilized the Spanish defense. The second came thanks to her speed, after Braxton Sorensen-McGee found her on the right wing. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, named Player of the Match, added a third try for the Black Ferns, scoring from close range. The three first-half tries were converted by Renee Holmes. Coach Allan Bunting made significant changes at halftime, with Ruahei Demant, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, and Laura Bayfield coming on. The bench had an immediate impact, bringing energy and direct rugby in the second half.

Ayesha Leti’-I’iga and Georgia Ponsonby added two more tries in the ten minutes following the restart, securing the bonus point for the Black Ferns. The Olsen-Baker match, and potentially her participation in the tournament, was cut short by what appeared to be an ankle injury. The 23-year-old player was stretchered off in tears after 50 minutes. However, the public soon had reason to celebrate, with the entry of Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who scored her first try of the championship. Leti’-I’iga scored a brace before also being substituted due to injury, while Theresa Setefano closed the scoring for New Zealand.