Jorja Miller reflects on two-try spark in Black Ferns’ World Cup opener

Jorja Miller insists there are “a lot of work-ons” for the Black Ferns ahead of their second Test at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, after the defending champions ran away with a 54-8 win over Spain at York Community Stadium.

New Zealand entered Spain’s 22 on seven occasions during the first half, but they only managed to score three tries against a valiant opponent, which included a double for Miller. After an error-riddled start from the Black Ferns, Miller broke the deadlock with some individual brilliance.

Miller sliced through the opposition defensive line to score the opener, boasting fast-feet and an attacking skillset that has been a force on the HSBC SVNS Series for a few seasons now – with the New Zealander crowned the Women’s Player of the Year after the 2024/25 campaign.

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Braxton Sorensen-McGee sent Miller over for a double about three minutes later with a simple yet effective draw and pass. Miller didn’t take the field during the second half, replaced at the break, but the 21-year-old’s try-scoring form was a popular talking point post-game.

“I was stoked I got over twice actually,” Miller told reporters.

“The first one, it was kind of nice just to get the ball early and have a bit of freedom and have a go so I was happy with that one.

“We just needed to grow momentum off the back of when we score tries or when we have positive moments and I think the girls really stepped up and did that.”

After Miller’s rapid double, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u was next to cross the try line as the Black Ferns took a hard-fought 21-3 lead into the sheds. Spain had the final point-scoring say of the first half, with playmaker Amalia Argudo converting a penalty in the 34^th minute.

The second half was dominated by the New Zealanders, who ran in five tries before Spain once again had the last laugh. Ayesha Leti-I’iga completed a try-scoring double, and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe also made a difference with an effort midway through the term.

Spain never gave up, fighting right until the final whistle, and the underdogs were rewarded as Ines Antolinez Fernandez scored in the final play. That five-pointer sent a loud contingent of Spanish fans into a frenzy, bringing a Test against the reigning world champions to an end.

That’s the first job done for the Black Ferns, who have Japan up next in Exeter on Sunday. They will also take on Ireland – who beat the New Zealanders 29-27 in WXV 1 in 2024 – to round out pool play, which could have a significant say on quarter-final matchups.

“We probably went into it knowing how much passion Spain would bring and they really brought it to us for the whole 80,” Miller said.

“It was fun. It was good to get the first World Cup game out of the way and now we can really settle in. We focus on Japan for next week but celebrate the goods but know there’s a lot to work-ons from that game.”