Portia Woodman-Wickliffe made a triumphant return to Test rugby with a breathtaking seven-try performance, leading New Zealand to a dominant 79–14 victory over the United States and sealing the 2025 Pacific Four Series title. Her display not only propelled the Black Ferns to the top of the tournament standings but also etched her name into the history books as New Zealand’s all-time leading try scorer.
A legend returns and dominates
In Albany, Auckland, on a crisp Saturday afternoon, rugby fans witnessed something truly extraordinary. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, in just her second Test since coming out of retirement, delivered one of the greatest individual performances in women’s international rugby. Scoring seven tries in a single match, the 33-year-old winger helped dismantle the USA Eagles and secure New Zealand’s place back atop the Pacific Four Series standings.
It was not just the volume of tries that stunned spectators—it was the manner in which they came. Woodman-Wickliffe showcased her signature blend of acceleration, spatial awareness, and raw power, consistently leaving defenders scrambling. With this performance, she lifted her international career tally to 45 tries in 26 Tests, surpassing Vanessa Coutts’ long-standing national record of 43 tries in 16 matches.
“I never came back for records,” Woodman-Wickliffe said modestly after the game, “but it’s a proud moment. More than anything, I wanted to give everything I had for this team again. I missed the jersey. I missed this feeling.”
Thirteen tries, one message: we’re not done
Needing to beat the United States by at least 25 points—and earn a four-try bonus point to leapfrog Canada in the standings—the Black Ferns knew the assignment. What they delivered went far beyond the requirement.
From the opening whistle, New Zealand brought intensity, flair, and clinical precision. The final scoreline—79–14—was a fair reflection of their dominance across every area of the pitch. In total, the Black Ferns scored 13 tries, sending a clear message to the rest of the rugby world just months ahead of the World Cup in England.
While Woodman-Wickliffe stole headlines, she wasn’t alone in her brilliance. Katelyn Vaha’akolo, her opposite number on the right wing, contributed four tries of her own, raising her tally to 23 tries in just 16 Test matches. Midfield generals Ruahei Demant and Stacey Waaka added to the scoring, while the forward pack consistently outmuscled the Americans, providing quick ball and repeated turnovers. The Eagles showed some early resilience, with Freda Tafuna and Hope Rogers scoring tries in the first half, bringing the score to 34–14 at the break. But New Zealand shut the door completely in the second half, adding 45 unanswered points and denying the United States any further opportunities.
From Olympic gold to another Black Ferns chapter
For Woodman-Wickliffe, the path back to Test rugby has been anything but straightforward. After claiming gold in rugby sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she stepped away from the game, announcing her retirement with a decorated career that included Rugby World Cup victories in 2017 and 2022.
But something pulled her back.
“Watching the girls play without me, especially in last year’s Pacific Series and the preparation for this World Cup, I felt like I had more to give,” she reflected in a recent interview. “It wasn’t about proving anything. It was about the love of the game—and wanting one last dance.”
Her return was confirmed just last month, raising eyebrows and expectations. Few anticipated just how explosive her comeback would be. Her performance against the USA was a reminder of why she is widely considered one of the greatest players in the sport’s history.
A tournament that tested champions
This year’s Pacific Four Series was arguably the most competitive edition yet. With Australia, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand all fielding near full-strength squads in preparation for the upcoming World Cup, the tournament served as both a proving ground and a platform for tactical experimentation.
The turning point came in round two when New Zealand and Canada played to a thrilling 27–27 draw, setting up a tense finale. Canada’s 45–7 rout of Australia had them temporarily top the table, forcing New Zealand into a must-win scenario with a significant points differential and a bonus point requirement.
The Black Ferns not only rose to the occasion—they crushed it.
Head coach Allan Bunting praised his team’s focus. “We knew what was at stake. We had a clear job to do, but the way the players executed it, with passion and precision—that’s what makes us proud. It wasn’t just about winning, it was about reclaiming our standards.”
Eyes on England 2025
With the Pacific Four Series now concluded, all eyes turn to the Rugby World Cup in England later this year. New Zealand, as the reigning world champions, enter the tournament with renewed momentum and belief.
The combination of experienced campaigners like Woodman-Wickliffe, Demant, and Waaka, alongside the rising stars such as Vaha’akolo and Sylvia Brunt, gives the Black Ferns one of the most balanced and dynamic squads in recent memory. Their depth, speed, and tactical versatility make them formidable contenders once again.
“We know the job’s not done,” Woodman-Wickliffe said. “The Pacific Series was a stepping stone. England is the mountain. But I believe in this team—we all do.”
A lasting legacy, and perhaps more to come
Whether or not she adds another World Cup title to her glittering resume, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has already secured her place among the sport’s greats. Her return has injected fresh energy into the Black Ferns setup and inspired a new generation of players and fans alike. In a sport that increasingly demands professionalism, resilience, and adaptability, Woodman-Wickliffe has once again demonstrated what it means to rise, to return, and to lead.
Her seven-try spectacle wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a symbol of excellence, a celebration of the women’s game, and a preview of what could unfold on the biggest stage later this year. As the Black Ferns bask in the glow of another Pacific Four Series title, one thing is certain: with Portia Woodman-Wickliffe back in black, anything is possible.
