New Zealand vs Japan Preview: History beckons for Portia Woodman-Wickliffe

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe could become New Zealand‘s all-time leading try scorer today.

The flying win needs one more try to make Kiwi history, having tied Doug Howlett’s record of 49 in the opening round win over Spain.

Japan face the toughest challenge of their campaign so far when they take on the reigning champions at Sandy Park.

The Sakura XV must pull off one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

The Black Ferns have lost just two RWC matches in history and dismantled Spain 54-8in their opener – clocking up 199 carries, 1,771 metres, 24 line breaks and 61 defenders beaten.

This is only the second meeting between the sides, after New Zealand won 95-12 in 2022. While some key Ferns like Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Kai-po Olsen-Baker are out injured, co-captains Ruahei Demant and Alana Bremner lead a stacked team, with Stacey Waaka and young full-back Braxton Sorensen-McGee set for their first appearances of the tournament.

Black Ferns assistant coach Steve Jackson said: “We’re not taking Japan lightly. They’re well coached and will throw everything at us.”

Sakura head coach Lesley McKenzie starts Sakurako Hatada on the wing and brings Jennifer Nduka in on the bench. Forwards coach Mark Bakewell said his team are focusing on “mindset and fundamentals” after a nervy start against Ireland.

Tighthead Nijiho Nagata, who played for the Blues in Super Rugby Aupiki, added: “New Zealand are fast and powerful. We want to react quickly and keep our work rate high.”