New Zealand thrash Spain 54-8 in World Cup opener

New Zealand began their Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool C campaign with a commanding 54-8 victory over Spain, thanks to a dominant all-round performance and clinical finishing.

The Black Ferns struck early and often, laying down a clear statement of intent with eight tries, seven of which were converted by fullback Renee Holmes.

The scoring opened in the 13th minute when Jorja Miller, making her 15s World Cup debut, crossed the line for New Zealand’s first try. Holmes slotted the conversion to make it 7–0.

Just four minutes later, Miller was back on the scoresheet with her second try, again converted by Holmes doubling their lead to 14-0. In the 24th minute, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u added New Zealand’s third try of the half, and Holmes made it three out of three from the tee.

Spain managed to get on the board before the break with a penalty kick from Amàlia Argudo, but New Zealand went into halftime comfortably ahead at 21–3.

The second half saw no let-up from the Black Ferns. Ayesha Leti-I’iga scored just six minutes into the half, with Holmes converting yet again. Georgia Ponsonby followed suit in the 50th minute with another try, keeping the momentum going, and Holmes maintained her perfect record with the conversion.

Leti-I’iga added her second of the match in the 58th minute, though Holmes missed the conversion this time, her only miss of the day. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe scored in the 61st minute, adding to her all-time World Cup try record, and Holmes was back on target with the conversion.

Theresa Setefano added New Zealand’s final try in the 73rd minute, with Holmes converting to make it 54–3. Despite the one-sided nature of the match, Spain managed a late consolation try in the final play of the game, with Inés Antolinez Fernández crossing over. The conversion attempt was not successful, and the match ended 54–8 in favour of the Black Ferns.

While the scoreline reflected New Zealand’s dominance, the match was not without its concerns. Injuries to Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Ayesha Leti-I’iga meant that the Black Ferns played with 13 players for a portion of the game. Nonetheless, they showed their depth and composure to open their account in style.

Team Line up:

New Zealand: Holmes; Sorensen-McGee, Du Plessis, Setefano, Leti-I'iga; Brazier, Hohaia; Tangen-Wainohu, Green, Rule, A Bremner (capt), C Bremner, Sae, Miller, Mikaele-Tu'u

Reserves: Ponsonby, Viliko, Kalounivale, Bayfield, Olsen-Baker, Pouri-Lane, Demant, Woodman

Spain: Ducher; Bueriberi, Pena, Perez, Piquero; Argudo, Fernandez de Corres; Delgado (capt), Blanco, Bracic, Castelo, Alameda, Martinez, Garcia, Capell

Reserves: Jou, Antolinez, De Andres, Puig, Pineiro, Aresti, Vinuesa, Perez