Black Ferns great praises 18-year-old try machine Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Black Ferns winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has reflected on Braxton Sorensen-McGee’s first Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign, which has seen the 18-year-old outside back score nine tries in just five appearances.

Sorensen-McGee was a standout for the Blues in Super Rugby Aupiki and their Champions Final win over the NSW Waratahs, and the teenager was rewarded for that breakout form with a maiden call-up to the national squad.

Director of Performance Allan Bunting picked Sorensen-McGee in the team’s Pacific Four clash with the Wallaroos in Newcastle, with the debutant scoring two tries. Sorensen-McGee carried that try-scoring form into the World Cup, scoring nine tries ahead of the Bronze Final.

Black Ferns captain Kennedy Tukuafu after defeat to Canada

Black Ferns captain Kennedy Tukuafu after defeat to Canada

Sorensen-McGee has scored more tries than anyone else at the tournament, and the youngster has also registered more points than anyone else. World Rugby announced its three nominees for 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year on Monday, with Sorensen-McGee up for the award.

Woodman-Wickliffe holds the record for the most tries in a single Women’s Rugby World Cup with 13, with the two-time tournament champions set to line up on wing for the Black Ferns against France, and Sorensen-McGee will start on the other.

“Extremely proud. She’s 18 but she has the mannerisms, calmness, knowledge and maturity of more than me,” Woodman-Wickliffe told reporters.

“She’s amazing and the way she holds herself, she’s so coachable, so talented and has the confidence and belief in herself that she can do what she needs to do out on that field.”

New Zealand bowed out of World Cup title contention last Friday, falling to Canada 34-19 in the semi-finals at Bristol’s Ashton Gate. Canada led 31-7 at one stage before the Black Ferns fought back valiantly, with Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Sorensen-McGee scoring second-half tries.

While the Black Ferns’ reign as World Cup champions has come to an end, there’s still plenty to play for in the Bronze Final, as they look to end their campaign on a winning note – but the same can be said for France, who really challenged England in their semi-final.

Jorja Miller returns to the starting side at openside flanker after missing the Canada Test, while co-captain Kennedy Tukuafa has not been named in the 23. Another HSBC SVNS Series star, Risi Pouri-Lane, will partner 50-Test playmaker Ruahei Demant in the halves.

“If you think of the Black Ferns and the legacy that we’ve had, it’s all about holding it close to our hearts but it’s never ours to hold onto forever. It’s just ours to be a caretaker. We always try to give back to the jersey and leave it in a better place,” Woodman-Wickliffe explained.

“Playing for third and fourth to show the world what we can do despite not playing the game that we want to be playing, we will hold our heads high with absolute pride in our abilities and ourselves personally.

“The game has changed. The visibility and marketing level of this World Cup has been amazing. It’s been the best rugby I’ve ever played and I’ve still got so much to learn,” she added.

“When I said I retired I missed being around like-minded people with the same values, the same mindset, same high performance. So being back in this environment, I’m extremely grateful.”