New Zealand Starts 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 this Sunday.
Although the score suggests a relatively comfortable afternoon for the Black Ferns, the match was more contested than it appears, delighting an audience of 7,458 spectators with an encounter full of emotion.
Spain matched New Zealand’s physical intensity, making the game difficult for the current champions with small victories throughout the first half. Their defense on the try line was resilient, and they showed intelligence in their game, selecting the right moments to kick and run the ball.
Inés Antolinez Fernández’s try in the 80th minute generated the biggest ovation of the afternoon, celebrated by both Spanish fans and neutrals.
Mónica Castelo made 22 tackles, while Alba Campbell and Lourdes Alameda worked hard in the breakdown, where Spain was successful at several moments.Portia Woodman-Wickliffe celebrated her third World Cup with a try.
Although the Black Ferns did not seem to be in real danger in the first half, frustration became evident due to some handling errors that disrupted their rhythm and prevented more tries.
Jorja Miller, a rugby sevens star, propelled New Zealand with two quick tries, the first on the left side after impressive footwork that destabilized the Spanish defense. Her pure speed was key for the second, following a pass from Braxton Sorensen-McGee on the right wing.
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, named Player of the Match, added a third try for the Black Ferns, scoring near the try line. The three tries of the first half 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 immediately made an impact, bringing energy and direct play 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.
Olsen-Baker’s participation in the match, and possibly in the tournament, was cut short by what appeared to be an ankle injury. The 23-year-old player had to be stretchered off after 50 minutes of play.
However, the fans soon had reason to celebrate, with the entry of Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who scored her first try of the tournament.
Leti’-I’iga scored a brace before also being withdrawn due to injury, while Theresa Setefano closed the scoring for New Zealand.
