Black Ferns Dominate Japan, Secure Knockout Stage Spot

The Black Ferns showcased their strength by defeating Japan 38-17 in a decisive match that solidified their place in the knockout stage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. The victory came after a strong opening win against Spain, setting the stage for a crucial final pool match against Ireland, which will determine the winners of Pool C and their quarterfinal seedings.

Key Performers Shine

In an impressive display, veteran winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe scored a remarkable 40-meter try early in the game, marking her 50th career try. This achievement places her just one try away from surpassing Doug Howlett‘s record of 49 tries for the All Blacks.

Woodman-Wickliffe’s try immediately countered Japan’s early lead, allowing the Black Ferns to take control of the match. The 18-year-old fullback, Braxton Sorenson-McGee, made her World Cup debut memorable by scoring a hat-trick, while flanker Jorja Miller added two tries. By halftime, New Zealand held a commanding 38-5 advantage.

Challenges in the Second Half

Despite their commanding position, the Black Ferns faced challenges in the second half. Japan managed to score two more tries, including a penalty try awarded after Laura Bayfield was penalized for deliberately pulling down a maul. This incident resulted in Bayfield receiving a second yellow card, leading to a 20-minute red card suspension.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Woodman-Wickliffe acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We are still a way off; we have not yet put in an 80-minute performance yet.” She praised Sorenson-McGee, saying, “She is a wise and mature player. She is one of the smallest players this season, but she has the biggest heart, bravest heart and biggest shoulders.” This sentiment highlights the emerging talent within the squad.

Earlier in the day, Ireland secured their place in the quarterfinals with a 43-27 victory over Spain. The Irish team scored seven tries in a match that saw Spain contributing with five tries, marking a record 43 points for Ireland in a World Cup match.

In another exciting fixture, South Africa achieved a historic victory over Italy with a score of 29-24, qualifying for their first World Cup quarterfinal. South Africa took an early lead, but Italy fought back to equalize at 24-24 before Sinazo Mcatshulwa scored the winning try in the final minutes.

Following their success, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, the first five for South Africa, expressed her pride, stating, “This was amazing. Shout-out to the team; we came out and had a job to do.” Their win not only marks a significant milestone for the team but also for women’s rugby in South Africa.

As the tournament progresses, the Black Ferns will face Ireland in a pivotal match that will determine the top seed in Pool C. With the knockout stage on the horizon, each team’s performance will be crucial in the quest for the championship.