Defending champions New Zealand start their quest for a record-extending seventh Women's Rugby World Cup with a curious 54-8 win over Spain at York Community Stadium.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe extended her Women’s Rugby World Cup try-scoring record to 21 as defending champions New Zealand beat Spain 54-8 in York, with Ireland and South Africa also picking up comfortable victories on Sunday.

New Zealand began its defense of the Women’s Rugby World Cup by scratching a 54-8 win over Spain in York on Sunday. The Black Ferns were comfortable eight-try winners — with only 13 players for the last quarter — but at the possible cost of flanker Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who suffered a right leg injury and was carried off the field in tears.