Black Ferns defeat Spain in Women's Rugby World Cup opener

Sunday 24 August 2025 · 2 outlets · 6 reports · updated Mon 25 Aug 2025, 11:33am

In this story Black Ferns, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Jorja Miller

The defending champion Black Ferns beat Spain 54-8 in their Group C match at York Community Stadium. Despite the victory, loose forward Kalpo Olsen-Baker suffered a major leg injury during the game. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe also extended her tournament try-scoring record to 21.

How they headlined it

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Sun 7:07pmMon 7:21am9:58am

1. Otago Daily TimesSun 24 Aug 2025, 7:07pm

   Black Ferns, Spain ignore odds, as World Cup opener beckons (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)

   • Black Ferns cruise past Spain in World Cup opener (opens in new tab) Mon 25 Aug 2025, 7:21am
2. RNZMon 25 Aug 2025, 4:53am

   Women's Rugby World Cup live: Black Ferns face Spain in opener (opens in new tab)

   • Black Ferns open World Cup title defence with big win (opens in new tab) Mon 25 Aug 2025, 7:42am
   • Black Ferns lose key player 15 minutes into World Cup (opens in new tab) Mon 25 Aug 2025, 9:58am
   • Rugby: Black Ferns' opening World Cup win a 'bit ugly' (opens in new tab) Mon 25 Aug 2025, 11:33am