YORK – New Zealand showed they mean business in the defence of their Women’s Rugby World Cup title with a ruthless win against Spain in Pool C at the York Community Stadium on Sunday.
YORK – New Zealand showed they mean business in the defence of their Women’s Rugby World Cup title with a 54-8 win against Spain in Pool C at the York Community Stadium on Sunday.
Spain started brightly until a moment of magic from Jorja Miller in the 13th minute gave the sevens star the first try of the match and she added a second soon after following a slick team move.
Liana Mikaele-Tu'u scored New Zealand’s third try before Spain - energetic in defence and enterprising in attack – got their only score of the first half, a penalty kick from Amalia Argudo.
The Black Ferns made wholesale changes after Ayesha Leti-Iiga scored the first of two tries to secure a bonus point early in the second half, but then lost Kaipo Olsen-Baker to a worrying-looking injury.
But it didn’t stop them scoring four more tries, including one for replacement Portia Woodman-Wickliffe to extend her all-time Women’s Rugby World Cup record to 21.
Spain had the final word, though, Ines Antolinez Fernandez touching down with the last play of the day.
The Black Ferns' Liana Mikaele-Tu’u was a perpetual thorn in Spain's side, pushing them onto the back foot with 17 carries and making six offloads, in addition to winning two turnovers and scoring one try.
“That was a really tough game so I’m actually really surprised by those stats," Mikaele-Tu’u said on the pitch after the final whistle.
"Amazing performance by Spain, we knew that this is more than a World Cup to them, so we didn’t take this game lightly."
The number eight was pleased to see fans out in support of the world champions in York. "It’s been so nice to see so many black jerseys out there, a taste from home," she said.
Allan Bunting, New Zealand's head coach, was pleased to see his players "get out there and chuck the ball around a little bit".
"We probably overplayed a little bit in the first half," said Bunting. "But you can’t knock them for their intent out there. We just need to be a little bit more clinical."
Despite the final score, Spain's head coach Juan Gonzalez declared himself "really happy" with the performance.
"We know the Black Ferns are a really good team," he said. "We came to the World Cup to give everything, to try to inspire the girls in Spain. We think we gave everything today.”
11 – the number of players beaten by New Zealand openside flanker Jorja Miller, more than any other player on the first weekend of RWC 2025, and she was only on the field for 40 minutes.
Spain stay in Northampton, where they will play Ireland on Sunday, 31 August, before New Zealand take on Japan at Sandy Park, Exeter.
