Ten tries – including a record-setter for the incomparable Portia Woodman-Wickliffe – and more than 60 points suggest this was a straight-forward affair for New Zealand, but at times Japan had the Black Ferns truly rattled.
Story of the match
Much to the sellout crowd’s delight, it was Japan who struck first, stunning the six-time champions with a faultless opening. First the forwards won a penalty, then a great box kick was followed by a solid lineout, a swift maul and a superb finish from winger Sakurako Hatada.
The Sakura Fifteen started the second half in a similar style, their rolling maul – which caused New Zealand trouble all day – propelling them to another score. That set the tone for a second half, which will cause the Black Ferns coaching staff some concern. Japan grabbing 53 per cent territory during 40 minutes in which they endlessly varied their point of attack and sloppy errors crept in to New Zealand’s play.
There were, of course, bright spots for the two-time reigning champions, and when you need a spark, it is useful to have your nation’s greatest ever try scorer on hand. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe had plenty left to do when she got the ball just inside Japan’s 10m line, with her side trailing 5-0 after 12 minutes. But a feint, a hand-off, two defenders beaten and the 34-year-old had it – a 50th test try, more than any other New Zealand rugby player ever.
That seemed to spur the youngsters on, 18-year-old Braxton Sorensen-McGee and 21-year-old Jorja Miller taking over. The pair showed their famed teammate that they too know how to finish, with full-back Sorensen-McGee scoring three and the sevens Women’s Player of the Year Miller bagging a double.
Plenty to work on for the Black Ferns however, ahead of a final pool match v Ireland.
MORE TO FOLLOW.