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4d ago

Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa Start Strong at Women's Rugby World Cup

An injury to Kaipo Olsen‑Baker looms over New Zealand's title defense.

Jorja Miller of New Zealand runs with the ball before scoring her team's first try during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa v Australia - Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 16, 2025 Australia's Tom Wright during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/ File Photo
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 23: Tom Wright of Australia injured during the Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Australia at DHL Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)

Overview

  • Ireland beat Japan 42-14 in Northampton with six different try-scorers, including a length-of-the-field interception by Eve Higgins that sealed the result.
  • Defending champions New Zealand defeated Spain 54-8 in York, finishing with 13 players as Portia Woodman‑Wickliffe extended her World Cup try record to 21 and Jorja Miller scored twice on debut.
  • Kaipo Olsen‑Baker left on a stretcher with a leg injury in the second half for the Black Ferns, and her status remains a developing concern for squad plans.
  • South Africa overpowered debutants Brazil 66-6 in Pool D, highlighted by No. 8 Aseza Hele’s hat-trick and Brazil’s milestone as the first South American team to feature at the tournament.
  • The expanded 16‑team event in England delivered early bonus points and momentum for contenders, as coaches stressed clinical finishing and set-piece improvements for the next round.