The Women’s Rugby World Cup in England is drawing record crowds and standout performances—and the Black Ferns are making headlines.
Last night, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe became New Zealand’s highest test try-scorer—across both men’s and women’s rugby—as the Black Ferns beat Japan 62–19, making it two wins from two.
The tournament’s opening match drew 47,000 fans, and even lesser-known teams are playing to packed stadiums.
Sports Commentator Ken Laban says England, currently on a 29-game winning streak, is widely seen as the favourite to win, with expectations running high for a home victory.
“Obviously, people are anticipating that England is going to be in the final. And I agree with that. The rest of the competition is we’re just trying to determine who’s going to play them in the final. Hopefully it’s the Black Ferns,” says Laban.
The Black Ferns famously beat England 34–31 in the 2022 final.
