Portia Woodman-Wickliffe had already cemented her legendary status in rugby before making more history against Japan. So much has been said about the winger, with the former Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge saying she “isn’t human” and the New Zealand star Ruby Tui describing her as “out of this world”. On Sunday Woodman-Wickliffe became New Zealand’s all-time record try‑scorer as the side secured their quarter-final place with a big win.
The score was a pretty special piece of individual skill but Miller’s score next somehow eclipsed it, she ran a lovely line and evaded two defenders. Katelyn Vahaakolo, Sorensen-McGee and Kennedy Tukuafu all scored before Haruka Hirotsu received a yellow card which was sent for a bunker review for a high tackle but it remained a sin‑bin only.
The second half began with a New Zealand yellow card for the replacement back‑row Laura Bayfield for a deliberate knock‑on. Japan then scored a try as Moe Tsukui went over but it was not long until the Black Ferns added to their points with Sorensen‑McGee in for her second.
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Bayfield was shown a second yellow and so was given a red card for collapsing a maul, resulting in a Japan penalty try. New Zealand responded perfectly with a great try by Miller, Sorensen-McGee was in again and Renee Holmes also scored.
It was a huge win for New Zealand but the Japan head coach, Lesley McKenzie, provided important context by saying there are fewer than 400 women playing rugby in the country. Japan are also a non-professional side; New Zealand have 45 full-time deals.
Japan will play Spain in their final pool match, while New Zealand and Ireland will battle it out for the top of the pool next Sunday. One thing that is certain is Woodman-Wickliffe will continue to mark herself out as one of, if not, the game’s best.
