Black Ferns centre Amy du Plessis runs with the ball during the Women’s Rugby World Cup pool C match between New Zealand and Spain at York Community Stadium, York, northern England, on August 24, 2025.

Amy du Plessis runs with the ball during the Women’s Rugby World Cup pool C match against Spain in York.
Photo: AFP / Adrian Dennis

New Zealand have begun their Women’s Rugby World Cup defence against 13th-ranked Spain at York, taking the opportunity to ease some of their stars into the tournament.

Follow all the action with RNZ’s live blog:

Teams

Black Ferns: 1. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 2. Vici-Rose Green, 3. Amy Rule, 4. Alana Bremner, 5. Chelsea Bremner, 6. Layla Sae, 7. Jorja Miller, 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 9. Iritana Hohaia, 10. Kelly Brazier, 11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 12. Theresa Setefano, 13. Amy du Plessis, 14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 15. Renee Holmes

Bench: 16. Georgia Ponsonby, 17. Chryss Viliko, 18. Tanya Kalounivale, 19. Laura Bayfield, 20. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 21. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, 22. Ruahei Demant, 23. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe

Spain: 1. Laura Delgado, 2. Cristina Blanco Herrera, 3. Sidorella Bracic Rodriguez, 4. Monica Castelo, 5. Lourdes Alameda, 6. Victoria Rosell Martinez, 7. Nerea Garcia Rementeria, 8. Alba Capell, 9. Anne Fernandez de Corres, 10. Amalia Argudo, 11. Clara Piquero, 12. Zahia Perez, 13. Claudia Pena Hidalgo, 14. Tecla Masoko Bueriberi, 15. Lea Ducher

Bench: 16. Nuria Jou, 17. Ines Antolinez Fernandez, 18. Mireira de Andres, 19. Anna Puig, 20. Lia Pineiro, 21. Maider Aresti Felix, 22. Alba Vinuesa, 23. Claudia Perez Perez

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