Overview

• Ireland beat Japan 42-14 in Northampton, scoring six converted tries for their highest Women’s Rugby World Cup total, with Eve Higgins’ length-of-field interception sealing control.
• Defending champions New Zealand overpowered Spain 54-8 in York and finished with 13 players after injuries, with Kaipo Olsen-Baker stretchered off in a setback that puts her tournament in doubt.
• Woodman-Wickliffe’s second-half try moved her to 21 career World Cup tries, while Jorja Miller struck twice in the first half as the Black Ferns secured a bonus-point start in Pool C.
• South Africa cruised past debutants Brazil 66-6 in Northampton, as No. 8 Aseza Hele scored a hat-trick and the Yaras became the first South American team to play at the tournament.
• Earlier pool openers featured heavy wins for Australia over Samoa (73-0) and Canada over Fiji (65-7), with Canada fullback Julia Schell crossing six times in a 23-minute second-half burst.