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Black Ferns bulldoze their way into knockouts: Four takeaways from New Zealand v Japan
By Owain Jones at Sandy Park, Exeter
The Black Ferns, after a shaky start, found their groove and ran in 10 tries, to serve a reminder, in the gusty confines of Sandy Park, that they are unwilling to be blown away by the Red Roses, should the two heavyweights meet later in the tournament.
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A performance of power and poise by the record-breaking Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, aided and abetted by the athleticism of Jorja Miller and the silky running of the outstanding Player of the Match, 18-year-old full-back Braxton Sorensen-McGee, who ran in a hat-trick, helped Allan Bunting’s side pull away to a commanding 38-5 half-time lead.
In the second half they were never in any serious trouble of relinquishing that lead as they sauntered away to a 62-15 final score, in front of a sell-out Devonian crowd.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe breaks records for fun
In truth, the Black Ferns had flattered to deceive in the early missives, and as so often, they needed their GOAT to deliver her customary brilliance.
As the ball was worked to the right flank, Ruahei Demant fed McGee, who in turn slipped the ball to Woodman-Wickliffe 40 metres out. She broke into the line and clasping the ball under her chest 40m out, with a fend and a step, she athletically rode two tackles with the touchline begging, kept her balance and cantered in unopposed, thus becoming the first New Zealand international in the men’s and women’s game to score 50 tries.
Indeed, so often their inspiration, in a matter of eight seconds, she had rebalanced the scores and more importantly given New Zealand their belief back. Within two minutes Jorga Miller had bounded in under the sticks and they were back in front and in control. If Kiwi science boffins could clone PWW, they would be doing their country a service. Simply a phenomenon.
Can the Black Ferns afford to be so slow out of the blocks?
New Zealand rugby’s aura relies on delivering the basics on a consistence basis. On that lofty scale, it was an error strewn first 10 minutes, with lost lineouts, spilt balls in midfield and breakdown reverses.
Sure, the Black Ferns were blessed with time to find their rhythm against Japan, but Canada, England or France will not be as forgiving. You can’t view it as a one-off either, because against Spain, they were uncharacteristically sloppy in the early periods, before settling.
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It’s a concern their coaching team will have to resolve on the training paddock before the titanic Ireland pool decider.
Miller-not-so-lite
Whether she has a No 6 or No 7 on her back, Miller showed in 80 minutes, why she’s absolutely integral if the Black Ferns are to retain their trophy. Noticeable by neon pink hairband bouncing round the close-quarter skirmishes, Miller thumped Japanese ball-carriers with a rare relish, and when in possession, carried with venom and pace.
Her first-half try encapsulated her skillset. There was a right-foot step, power to brush off tacklers, and acceleration to power over the whitewash with glee. She is also the consummate team player.
When the ball was flicked down the right hand touchline, Miller had the pace to career forwards and score a second try, but a deft pass to the impressive 18-year-old Sorensen-McGee saw her go over for the score.
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Late on in the second-half, Miller was at it again, brushing would-be tacklers off with ease as she powered over in the corner. It was a heavyweight performance brimming with aggression, intelligence and raw ability.
A heavy loss, but Japan emerge with their dignity in-tact
It was an inauspicious start for Japan. With a minute they saw their full-back Nishimura depart after a friendly-fire collision with Yamamoto replacing her.
Only four minutes later they regained their composure to the game its first score. Skilfully moving the ball out from Ayasa Otsuka out wide for Sakurako Hatada to step in and power through two Black Fern tacklers to score, and in doing so blow the proverbial roof off Sandy Park.
Despite the tide going against them, with New Zealand doing to 14-women, they showed their power up front, by working through the phases on the touchline, to see Moe Tsukui power over. They weren’t done on the scoreboard, and with 13 minutes left on the clock, scored a third penalty try to give the scoreboard an air of respectability.
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