New Zealand Starts Its Campaign at the World Cup with Rugby

• New Zealand defeated Spain with a score of 54-8 in their opening match of the World Cup.
• The team played with a reduced number of players, fielding only 13 players in the final match.
• Georgia Miller and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe were recognized for their performances in the game.

World Rugby Women's Championship - Pool C

New Zealand (21) 54

Try: Miller 2, Mikaele-Tuu, Leti-Iiga 2, Pensonby, Woodman-Wickliffe, Setefano Conversions: Holmes 7

Spain (3) 8

Try: Antolínez Penalty: Argudo

The New Zealand champions began their campaign in the World Rugby Women's Championship by defeating Spain with a score of 54-8 at York Stadium. The first half ended with a score of 21-3 in favor of New Zealand, despite Spain showing a strong fight.

After the break, New Zealand forgot to make five substitutions, despite the fact that in the last 17 minutes they played with a reduced number of players, fielding only 13 players. Coach Allan Bunting made all substitutions after the injury to Kaipo Olsen-Baker in the 55th minute.

Despite the loss, New Zealand managed to score tries, while Spain managed to score their try, which became the result of their efforts. Georgia Miller scored in the first half, adding two tries, while legendary Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who returned from international retirement, set a record with 21 tries in World Championship matches.

Team Lineup

New Zealand: Holmes; Sorensen-McGhee, D. Plummer, Setefano, Leti-Iiga; Braziers, Hohaya; Tengen-Vainohuku, Green, Rul, A. Bremer (capt.), C. Bremer, Sae, Miller, Mikaele-Tuu

Substitutes: Pensonby, Viliakolo, Kalunivale, Bayfield, Olsen-Baker, Puriri-Lane, Demant, Woodman

Spain: Duesher; Buriberri, Pena, Peris, Piquero; Argudo, Fernández de Corres; Delgado (capt.), Blanco, Bracik, Castelo, Alamedas, Martínez, García, Capel

Substitutes: Ju, Antolínez, De Andrés, Puig, Pineiro, Aresti, Vinesa, Peris

Officials

Referee: Ela Goldsmith (Australia)

Assistant Referees: Kate Roche (USA) and Amber Stamp-Danstan (Wales)

Television Match Official: Quinton Immelman (South African Republic)

Tags: Sport