New Zealand Starts Title Defense with Victory at Women’s Rugby World Cup
YORK, England – New Zealand began the defense of their crown at the Women’s Rugby World Cup with a resounding 54-8 victory over Spain this Sunday.
Although the marker suggests a relatively quiet afternoon for the Black Ferns, the reality was different, as the 7,458 spectators enjoyed a match full of emotions.
Spain matched New Zealand’s physical intensity and made the game difficult for the defending champions, achieving small victories throughout the first half. Their defense on the try line was solid and they played intelligently, choosing the right moments to kick and run with the ball.
A try by Ines Antolinez Fernandez in the 80th minute provoked the biggest ovation of the afternoon, delighting Spanish and neutral fans.
Monica Castelo made 22 tackles, while Alba Campbell and Lourdes Alameda worked hard on the tackles, where Spain was successful at times.Portia Woodman-Wickliffe celebrated her third World Cup with a try.Although the Black Ferns did not seem to be in danger 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 destabilized the Spanish defense.
He used his speed for the second, 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, advancing from close range. All three first-half tries were converted by Renee Holmes.
Coach Allan Bunting made significant changes at halftime, with the entry of Ruahei Demant, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, and Laura Bayfield, who had an immediate impact, bringing energy and direct play in the second half.Ayesha Leti’-I’iga scored two tries in the second half.Ayesha Leti’-I’iga and Georgia Ponsonby added two more tries in the ten minutes after 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 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 being subbed off due to injury, while Theresa Setefano closed the scoring for New Zealand.
