Woodman-Wickliffe on cusp of history as Black Ferns name side for Japan

Winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe could soon become the first New Zealand rugby player to score 50 international tries, having been named to start for the Black Ferns in their Women’s Rugby World Cup Test against Japan in Exeter.

Woodman-Wickliffe has scored 49 tries in just 29 Test appearances to date, including an effort last time out against Spain at York Community Stadium. That try saw Woodman-Wickliffe draw level with former All Blacks winger Doug Howlett, who has held the record since 2007.

If Woodman-Wickliffe scores against Japan in her 30th Test, the two-time Olympic gold medallist will reach this try-scoring milestone, going one clear as the new all-time leader. But this is by no means a guarantee, with Japan showing signs of promise against Ireland last weekend.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe receives Women’s Top 50 award

New Zealand Women’s superstar Portia Woodman-Wickliffe spoke to RugbyPass after receiving the prestigious, inaugural RugbyPass Women’s Top 50 award this week.

View Top 50

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe receives Women’s Top 50 award

New Zealand Women’s superstar Portia Woodman-Wickliffe spoke to RugbyPass after receiving the prestigious, inaugural RugbyPass Women’s Top 50 award this week.

View Top 50

Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting has also named Kennedy Tukuafu in the starting lineup, with the 2022 Rugby World Cup winning co-captain set to represent New Zealand for the first time since taking on the USA in the Pacific Four Series earlier this year.

While Tukuafu remains a co-captain of the squad, Alana Bremner and Ruahei Demant will lead the team into battle, allowing the backrower to focus on her return. Tukuafu starts at openside, while Jorja Miller shifts to blindside flanker.

Bunting has selected Katelyn Vahaakolo, Atlanta Lolohea, Visinia Mahutariki-Fakelelu, Maia Joseph and Kate Henwood for their World Cup debuts. Vahaakolo joins Woodman-Wickliffe and Braxton Sorensen-McGee in a strong outside backs trio.

Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’I Sylvia Brunt partners HSBC SVNS Series star Stacey Waaka in the midfield, while Risaleaana Pouri-Lane links up with Demant in the halves. On the bench, Joseph, Renee Holmes and Theresa Setefano will provide cover for the backline.

Fixture

Women's Rugby World Cup

New Zealand Women

62 - 19

Full-time

Japan Women

All Stats and Data

Chryss Viliko will pack down alongside Georgia Ponsonby and Tanya Kalounivale up front, while Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Bremner form a familiar second row pairing. Miller and Tukuafu will line up on the flanks, with 15-Test backrower Layla Sae wearing the No. 8 jersey.

“It’s awesome to be here in Exeter and we have had a focused week of preparations. It’s great to have Kennedy and Kate back in the team. Their grit and determination to get to where they are, at a pinnacle event is a special moment for not only for them but the entire squad,” Bunting said.

“Japan played well last week, they are well-coached, and we expect them to come out and throw everything at us. We’ve selected a team who we believe will rise to the occasion.”

New Zealand team to take on Japan at Women’s Rugby World Cup

1. Chryss Viliko (14)

2. Georgia Ponsonby (32)

3. Tanya Kalounivale (23)

4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (33)

5. AlanaBremner (30) – Co-captain

6. JorjaMiller (3)

7. Kennedy Tukuafu (30)

8. Layla Sae (15)

9. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (3)

10. Ruahei Demant (46) – Co-captain

11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (17)

12. Logo-I-PulotuLemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (25)

13. Stacey Waaka (27)

14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (29)

15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (4)

Replacements

16. Atlanta Lolohea (7)

17. Kate Henwood (10)

18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (1)

19. Laura Bayfield (2)

20. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (30)

21. Maia Joseph (11)

22. Renee Holmes (24)

23. Theresa Setefano (20)