New Zealand vs Japan Women Preview & Tips - Japan to prove no match for New Zealand at Women's Rugby World Cup

Ben Darvill

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Last updated: 28 Aug 2025

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Ben Darvill 28 Aug 2025

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New Zealand vs Japan Women Preview & Tips
Japan have lost their last six matches
Preview, stats & head to head

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Portia Woodman-Wickliffe of New Zealand (Getty Images)

New Zealand vs Japan Women Preview & Tips

New Zealand Women eased past Spain in a 54-8 win that saw the former get their campaign off to a solid if unspectacular start.

New Zealand vs Japan Women Preview & Tips
Head To Head
New Zealand Women Form
Japan Women Form

Japan know they will have to secure one of the great results in rugby if they are to defeat the reigning world champions.

New Zealand are unbeaten in their last five (W4, D1)
Japan have lost their last six

Head To Head

Their meeting this weekend will be the first time the pair have come together in a competitive match.

New Zealand Women Form

New Zealand Women did what they needed to do in the opening game of their World Cup defence as they took all the points in a 54-8 win over Spain.

While winning is all that matters in tournament rugby, New Zealand will be hoping for a more fluid performance this weekend as they struggled to get to their ruthless best. Peaking at the right time in a tournament is vital, but New Zealand will know they should have been better.

With four wins and a draw in their last five including a big 79-14 win over the USA back in May, I am backing New Zealand to breeze past their opponents.

Japan Women Form

Japan Women were not able to notch a much-needed win in their opening match of the World Cup as they slipped to a 42-14 loss at the hands of Ireland.

While they were always up against it when taking on the Irish, Japan knew they still had to win. After losing their opener, Japan know defeat in this one coupled with a likely win for the Irish over Spain will see their clash with Spain become a dead rubber.

While the neutral fans will be cheering on a big upset, it is fanciful thinking Japan will win with a +54.5 point handicap, let alone without one.

Verdict

New Zealand v Japan Women

I am backing New Zealand to secure a big win as they notch their second win of the campaign.

New Zealand -54.5

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