Wales’ Rugby World Cup run came to an end with a 55-3 loss to hosts New Zealand in Whangarei in the quarterfinals. Portia Woodman scored her 19th and 20th World Cup tries, surpassing England’s Sue Day as the tournament’s all-time leading try scorer.
13 minutes were played by Woodman before Ruby Tui, Sarah Hirini, and Amy Rule propelled the Black Ferns to a 26-3 halftime lead.
Three minutes into the second half, Woodman scored his second goal, and the reigning champions pulled further ahead as Luka Connor scored twice, Alana Bremner made a cross, and Ruahei Demant completed the scoring.
Wales, who were defeated 56-12 by New Zealand in pool play, always knew they faced an uphill battle to defeat the tournament hosts, as the Black Ferns’ formidable pack constantly overran them.
From a line-out, New Zealand swiftly moved the ball across the field, giving Woodman the room to power over for the first score. Wales responded with a penalty from Keira Bevan, but it was only a momentary relief. Moments later, Woodman caught Demant’s powerful cross-field kick and set up Tui for the game-winning goal.
New Zealand was unrelenting. Theresa Fitzpatrick ran across the middle of the field but was stopped short of the finish line. Woodman then passed the ball to Hirini, who scored in the corner.
Ayesha Leti-I’iga was stopped short of the line after a scrum, but with Wales struggling to get out of their own 22, it was only a matter of time before the next try was scored, which occurred in the 39th minute when Woodman charged forward following a line-out and Rule converted.
After the interval, New Zealand resumed its previous performance. Three minutes in, from a breakdown, they regained possession and Woodman scored to surpass Day’s record. Six minutes later, the Black Ferns tore apart a Wales scrum, and Georgia Ponsonby’s substitute, Connor, scored a try.
Bremner, Connor again, and Demant took the score above fifty as the hosts attempted to make a statement after the match had ended and New Zealand’s semi-final matchup with France had been secured.
