Black Ferns dominate Japan but look for improvement ahead of quarter-final showdown

The Black Ferns have secured their quarter-final spot at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England after defeating the Japan Sakura 62-19 at Sandy Park, Exeter, early on Monday.

Despite the dominant scoreline, the reigning world champions know there is still work to be done in achieving full cohesion. Head coach Allan Bunting says he is satisfied with their progress so far.

“Our ladies got some good game time out there,” Bunting told a post-match interview. “Everyone has had some game time now. We have a lot to build off. Our discipline really cost us.

“We got to test ourselves. I was happy looking at young Brax (Braxton Sorensen-McGee) out there, shining like a little star that she is.

“The mindset of our ladies has been outstanding but we have plenty more to build off that,” Bunting told reporters.

Conceding 11 penalties, including three in quick succession, proved costly for the Black Ferns early on, allowing Japan to score first.

A well-executed box-kick was followed by a solid lineout, leading to an offload from a swift maul that allowed winger Sakurako Hatada to run in a try.

Japan started the match strongly, opting to carry the ball out rather than kicking from their own line. But it didn’t take long for the Black Ferns to respond with their distinctive style and mana.

At just 21, Jorja Miller, the blindside flanker and Women’s Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, continues to show her potential as one of the game’s future greats. Her dazzling footwork and relentless defensive pressure smothered Japan, earning her two tries born of sheer individual brilliance.

Heading into the second half with six tries to one, the Sakura women started in the same way they did the first half. Their rolling maul, which caused major issues for the New Zealand defence, led to another try.

This set the tone for the second half, in which Japan matched New Zealand’s attacking possession and gained more territory, with 53 per cent to 47 per cent.

When the time arose for players to step up, it was invaluable to have arguably the best women’s rugby player in the world, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, on the team.

Coming out of retirement for this campaign, Woodman-Wickliffe once again made history by scoring a try, becoming New Zealand’s all-time leading tryscorer.

With 50 tries scored in 30 test matches, Woodman-Wickliffe showcased her skill as she took on defenders just inside Japan’s 10-metre line, making a tough situation look effortless.

Throughout the match, the Black Ferns faced new challenges, including two backline players, Stacey Waaka, and Sylvia Brunt, leaving the field for head injury assessments (HIA), and dealing with yellow cards. Bunting and his team have plenty to work on moving forward.

New Zealand’s final pool clash is scheduled for next Monday 8 September against Ireland, kickoff at 1.45am, NZ time. This match will decide who finishes as the top seed in their pool.