The Black Ferns have hit the ground running at the Rugby World Cup, demolishing Spain 54-8 to advance themselves towards locking down a quarter finals spot.
For Sevens star Jorja Miller - who debuted for the Black Ferns back in May - it was an especially enjoyable experience after scoring her side's opening two tries.
Watch the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
“I was stoked,” Miller told reporters after the game.
“Even just running out and putting the jersey on, it's a really special moment. And as you see on the side, how much legacy and history this team has created at [the] Rugby World Cup.
“To be part of that, and hopefully a positive part, and add another year on is really special.
“I think we probably went into it knowing how much passion Spain would bring, and they really brought it to us for the whole 80 - it was fun.
“It was good to get the first World Cup game out of the way, and now we can really settle in. We focus on Japan for next week. But yeah, celebrate the goods, but we know there's a lot of work for us from that game.”
Miller is among several big names who have made the jump across to XVs from Sevens with Charlotte Caslick for the Wallaroos and Ilona Maher for the USA among the other high-profile converts.
However, Miller believes the pressure brings out the best in her, and by extension, the entire Black Ferns squad as they chase a seventh World Cup crown.
“Personally, no. I love it,” Miller responded when asked about pressure to perform.
“We talk about adding to the jersey, so you want to put it into a better place than what it was previously. So we're always looking to be better and keep growing. That really excites me.
“Bunce [Head coach Allan Bunting] and all the other girls really share their knowledge and their experiences, so that I guess we don't really go backwards, we're always moving forward, which has been really helpful.”
With nearly 400,000 tickets sold for the tournament, the growth of women’s rugby at this World Cup has been noted; with over 42,000 fans turning up for the opening clash at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
York, Northampton, Salford and Exeter followed suit, with all close to full capacity for the opening weekend.
“It was so cool,” Miller said when asked about the crowd.
“And even just at the end, to see the crowd staying and supporting just women's rugby in general, it was really special.
“To walk out there in the roar of the crowd, it was really cool. It's an awesome stadium where the crowd feels right there and really close, so yeah, it was awesome.”
