The Black Ferns have booked their quarterfinal spot at the Rugby World Cup, after winning their second pool match against Japan 62-19.
New Zealand got history out of the way quickly, with winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s opening try seeing her slip two tackles to score her record-extending 50th in her 30th test and record-extending 22nd in her 12th World Cup match.
While slow to get going after Japan scored the first try through wing Sakurako Hatada, the Black Ferns moved up the gears quickly.
More slick tries by Jorja Miller, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Kennedy Tukuafu and Risi Pouri-Lane lifted them to almost a point-a-minute pace at 38-5 up at halftime.
The TVNZ sports commentator says Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is a “legend” for breaking a try-scoring record, as newcomer Braxton Sorensen-McGee stands out. (Source: Breakfast)
But they stalled in the second half as Japan lifted their effort, scored the opening try of the half again through scrumhalf Moe Tsukui, and forced New Zealand into rushed errors and ill discipline.
Replacement lock Laura Bayfield received two yellow cards for a deliberate knock-on and collapsing a maul. The two yellows became a 20-minute red card and a penalty try for Japan in the 67th.
Japan trailed 43-19. In their only previous match with New Zealand in 2022, they lost 96-12.
New Zealand took Bayfield’s exit in stride and scored three tries in four minutes; a second for Miller, a third for Sorensen-McGee after a 60-meter solo run past four defenders, and the last for Renee Holmes from an unselfish Woodman-Wickliffe.
The 18-year-old Sorensen-McGee finished with 23 points and the player of the match award.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including a cash boost for regional airlines, sellers re-enter the housing market, and Donald Trump’s social media fury. (Source: 1News)
Holmes was the halftime replacement for centre Sylvia Brunt, who failed an HIA.
Meanwhile, South Africa stunned Italy 29-24 and reached the quarterfinals for the first time. The Springbok Women were joined in the last eight by defending champion New Zealand, France and Ireland.
New Zealand dispatched Japan 62-19 and France thumped Brazil 84-5 in Exeter, and Ireland got past Spain 43-27 in Northampton.
The last open spot in the quarterfinals will be decided between the United States and Australia next weekend in the last round of pool games.
Ireland’s achievement was its best at a World Cup since it got to the 2014 semifinals, after beating New Zealand for the first time.
The Irish and Black Ferns meet next weekend to decide the winner of Pool C.