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.

The Springbok Women may not be expected to emulate the men's team in winning the Rugby World Cup, but heading into the upcoming tournament in England (August 22 - September 27), morale is at an all-time high.

South Africa head to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England this month without the same aura about them as the men’s team but with renewed belief having shown rapid improvement in the last 12 months under coach Swys de Bruin.