YORK, England – New Zealand began the defense of their title at the Women’s Rugby World Cup with a 54-8 victory over Spain on Sunday.
Although the marker suggests a relatively comfortable afternoon for the Black Ferns, the reality was different, as the 7,458 attendees enjoyed an exciting afternoon of rugby.
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 intelligent 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 was successful at times.Portia Woodman-Wickliffe celebró su tercera Copa del Mundo con un try.While the Black Ferns never looked like they would yield in the first half, they were frustrated by some handling errors that disrupted their rhythm and prevented more tries.
Seven’s star, Jorja Miller, propelled New Zealand with two quick tries, the first on the left side after good footwork that left the Spanish defense reeling.
He used his speed for the second try, after Braxton Sorensen-McGee found her in open space on the right wing.
The Player of the Match, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, added a third for the Black Ferns, scoring from close range. The three tries of the first half 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 entering the field, and the bench had an immediate impact, bringing energy and direct rugby to the second half.Ayesha Leti’-I’iga anotó dos tries en la segunda mitad.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.
Olsen-Baker’s afternoon, and possibly 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 crowd soon had reason to celebrate, with Portia Woodman-Wickliffe entering and scoring her first try of the campaign.
Leti’-I’iga scored a brace before also being forced off with injury, while Theresa Setefano rounded off the scoring for New Zealand.
