New Zealand start World Cup defence, drown Spain

Reigning champions New Zealand started their quest for a record-extending seventh Women’s Rugby World Cup title with a 54-8 win over a gutsy Spain in York on Sunday.

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On an opening weekend where title rivals England and Canada enjoyed mammoth wins, the Black Ferns ‘only’ led 21-3 at halftime against a Spain side ranked 13th in the world.

But New Zealand ran in five tries after the break, despite having to play with 13 women for the final 17 minutes.

Black Ferns boss Allan Bunting had already used all his replacements when Kaipo Olsen-Baker was taken off on a stretcher in the 55th minute after injuring her left leg.

New Zealand were reduced to 13 when wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga also had to go off because of injury.

They still managed to score a try but a valiant Spain replied with one of their own with the last play of the game when forward Ines Antolinez stretched out to get over.