The Women’s Rugby World Cup kicked off with a commanding performance from New Zealand, who secured a 54-8 victory against Spain this past Sunday in York. The match showcased New Zealand’s dominance with eight tries, despite finishing the last quarter with only 13 players on the field due to an injury.
Flanker Kaipo Olsen-Baker’s injury was a notable concern, as she exited the match in tears just 14 minutes in—having missed the 2022 World Cup due to a prior training injury. With the bench already depleted, New Zealand made do with their limited numbers, scoring two tries even while down a player, although they did concede their first try to Spain during injury time.
Match Overview: New Zealand 54, Spain 8
Dominating possession, New Zealand covered 1,600 meters compared to Spain’s 348 and forced the Spanish team into an impressive, but taxing, 221 tackles. However, New Zealand struggled with some final passes, as acknowledged by captain Alana Bremner, who stated, “There was a lot of excitement out there and some of those passes were not sticking. But first game we weren’t expecting perfection and we’ll look to be more clinical.”
With several players returning from their 2022 final squad, and others making their World Cup debuts, New Zealand’s rhythm took a while to establish. Jorja Miller broke the impasse with a brilliant solo try. She dodged multiple defenders and converted a challenging position into the team’s first score. Miller was followed by two more tries, with Liana Mikaele-Tu’u contributing to a 21-0 lead by the 24-minute mark. After halftime adjustments, New Zealand accelerated their scoring to 35-3 before being slowed by their reduced squad.
Despite Spain’s efforts, which included their first-ever try against New Zealand scored by prop Ines Antolinez Fernandez, they were unable to capitalize on their numerical advantage until late in the match.
Other Notable Matches
Ireland and South Africa also opened their campaigns strongly, achieving record scores in the process. Ireland triumphed over Japan with a scoreline of 42-14, leveraging physical advantages and delivering strong performances from their players. “This is the first World Cup game for most of us but it didn’t feel like it,” co-captain Eden McMahon remarked after the match.
In the same pool, Ireland exhibited determination from the outset, amassing four tries by halftime, ensuring a bonus point for their victory. Although Japan responded with two tries of their own, Ireland’s tenacious play kept them firmly in control.
South Africa vs. Brazil Highlights
In a historic match, South Africa defeated Brazil 66-6, marking a momentous occasion as it was Brazil’s first appearance in the World Cup. South Africa’s player Aseza Hele made headlines by securing a hat trick, showcasing her skill by overcoming numerous defenders. Despite their loss, Brazil demonstrated resilience and determination, earning a moment of pride as they played on this significant stage.
Both Ireland and South Africa clearly indicated their ambitions with formidable performances, setting the stage for a competitive tournament ahead. The opening weekend of the Women’s Rugby World Cup highlighted not only the strength of established teams but also the promise displayed by emerging nations.
