Amy du Plessis runs with the ball during the Women’s Rugby World Cup pool C match against Spain in York. Photo: AFP / Adrian Dennis
Sevens star Jorja Miller and winger Ayesha Leti-Iiga scored try doubles, as the Black Ferns began their World Cup defence with a clunky 54-8 victory over Spain at York.
They struggled early against the tournament outsiders, but finished the contest with only 13 players, after using all their substitutions and continued to lose key players to injury.
Barnstorming No.8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker was carted from the field with a knee injury that looks likely to end her tournament, while Leti-Iiga also hobbled off with an ankle injury, leaving her team shorthanded.
Teams
Black Ferns: 1. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 2. Vici-Rose Green, 3. Amy Rule, 4. Alana Bremner, 5. Chelsea Bremner, 6. Layla Sae, 7. Jorja Miller, 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, 9. Iritana Hohaia, 10. Kelly Brazier, 11. Ayesha Leti-I'iga, 12. Theresa Setefano, 13. Amy du Plessis, 14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 15. Renee Holmes
Bench: 16. Georgia Ponsonby, 17. Chryss Viliko, 18. Tanya Kalounivale, 19. Laura Bayfield, 20. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 21. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, 22. Ruahei Demant, 23. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
Spain: 1. Laura Delgado, 2. Cristina Blanco Herrera, 3. Sidorella Bracic Rodriguez, 4. Monica Castelo, 5. Lourdes Alameda, 6. Victoria Rosell Martinez, 7. Nerea Garcia Rementeria, 8. Alba Capell, 9. Anne Fernandez de Corres, 10. Amalia Argudo, 11. Clara Piquero, 12. Zahia Perez, 13. Claudia Pena Hidalgo, 14. Tecla Masoko Bueriberi, 15. Lea Ducher
Bench: 16. Nuria Jou, 17. Ines Antolinez Fernandez, 18. Mireira de Andres, 19. Anna Puig, 20. Lia Pineiro, 21. Maider Aresti Felix, 22. Alba Vinuesa, 23. Claudia Perez Perez
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