Portia Woodman-Wickliffe: New Zealand celebrates women’s rugby try record

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe Makes History in Women’s Rugby

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, the outstanding New Zealand player, has set a new record in rugby. Last Sunday, during the match in which the Black Ferns faced Japan, Woodman-Wickliffe became the top try scorer in the history of New Zealand, surpassing any previous mark, both in the women’s and men’s categories. The match culminated in a resounding 62-19 victory, securing a place in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals. After scoring in the previous week’s victory against Spain, Woodman-Wickliffe needed one more try to surpass the record of 49 tries set by Doug Howlett, former All Blacks player. At 34 years old, Woodman-Wickliffe scored her 50th try in the 12th minute of the match in Exeter, in her thirtieth match with the New Zealand national team. In addition, this achievement extended her own World Cup try record, reaching 22. With two consecutive World Cup victories and two Olympic gold medals, Woodman-Wickliffe has established herself as a legend in rugby, both in the XV and seven formats.

I think a lot of people have compared P [Portia] to the female Jonah Lomu… and that’s exactly what she’s done.

Ruahei Demant, co-captain of the Black Ferns

Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant highlighted Woodman-Wickliffe’s immense influence on the game. “She is, by herself, the most influential female rugby player in the world. I feel very proud and fortunate to be able to play alongside her as a teammate and not as a rival. “Regardless of the achievements and recognitions she obtains, for those of us who know her as a person, she is one of the most humble and simple people you will ever meet. I know she’ll say the tries she scores are just her job… but it’s really great to have someone like her by your side to finish off all the opportunities the girls work so hard to create.”