The Black Ferns are six-time champions and boast some of the games biggest superstars, but in their way in York this weekend is a Spain team brimming with belief and the kind of confidence that a young side desperate to prove themselves has in spades.
New Zealand won a thrilling final against England at Rugby World Cup 2021, but they start all over again now, and Las Leonas will be out to show that things have changed in their years since the Black Ferns won their most recent title.
Kick-off: 17:30 BST, Sunday, 24 August
Venue: York Community Stadium, York
From where to go before kick-off, to must-visit local attractions, check out Ellie Kildunne’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Guide to York.
How to watch: Grab some of the few remaining tickets here.
Or check out our global guide to the TV options in your region.
New Zealand team
New Zealand key player: This is a team filled with superstars, so dealer’s choice. But we’ll single out Jorja Miller (pictured). The openside flanker is a complete pest at the breakdown, constantly stealing the ball and more than happy to run with it after she’s done so. Despite being only 21 years old and surrounded by some of the game’s all-time greats, many have identified Miller as the rising star who will have the biggest breakthrough campaign over these next few weeks.
Spain team
Spain key player: Claudia Pena is a stand-out talent for Spain as well as for her club Harlequins, where she won Players’ Player of the Season in her debut season last term – not bad when you consider World Rugby Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne is in the same team as her. The Spaniard is a versatile back normally seen using her quick feet and lightning speed out wide Spain, but for Sunday’s opener she has been selected in the number 13 jersey.
What they said
New Zealand head coach Allan Bunting:
“We want to start strong. Obviously, it has been a bit since we played a test match. There will be people trying a little bit too hard and but it’s more about mindset.
“There’s going to be a bit of excitement, and I don’t expect perfection. It’s more around their intent and courage to have a crack. That’s the most important thing to me.”
New Zealand captain Alana Bremner:
“We’re ready to go. It’s been a while since we played a test match, so there’s a lot of excitement within the team. Training’s been awesome. It’s the first game in a while so you could expect the little bit of rust to come out. And I think we’re just looking to start the tournament well with excitement, with energy, and that’s what the Black Ferns always bring. So I think it’s going to be some awesome rugby.”
Spain head coach Juan González:
“It was a very exciting week, finally being in England to play in a Rugby World Cup. We’ve been working towards this for so long, since the beginning of the season after the previous World Cup. We’re ending the week feeling very good, clear about what we want, and taking on the challenge of playing against the reigning world champions, with great enthusiasm and eagerness to take to the field and give it our all.
“The goal is to put up a fight against New Zealand, to be able to face the challenge. We’re definitely going to give it our all, give them a tough game and try to work on small goals that will give us a good feeling and small victories within the game itself.”
Spain captain Laura Delgado:
“Without a doubt; rugby in Spain is growing, but we want to do our part even more so that girls can try rugby, for them to know that rugby is a sport they can play in Spain and that it not only benefits them as athletes, but also as people.
“It’s meant everything. I’ve never dedicated so many hours and my life to something; it’s the love of my life. Honestly, I think there’s no better setting to be able to close it out and continue enjoying it for the remaining three weeks.”