10/31/2026 03:48:00
Printable Page
10/31 03:47 CDT Kaipo Olsen-Baker crowned World Rugby women's player of the
year after NZ sweep France
Kaipo Olsen-Baker crowned World Rugby women's player of the year after NZ sweep
France
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) --- Dynamic New Zealand No. 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker
was named the women's world rugby player of the year on Saturday.
Olsen-Baker received the award straight after the Black Ferns completed a home
series sweep of France after taking their third test 36-7 in the WXV. She sat
out the match with an ankle injury but got a celebratory haka from her
teammates.
Olsen-Baker was cited for "her powerful ball-carrying, athleticism and
relentless work-rate throughout the year."
Also nominated were England backs Megan Jones and Zoe Harrison and Canada prop
DaLeaka Menin.
Black Ferns flanker Elinor Plum-King played on Saturday and was awarded world
breakthrough player of the year, the fourth New Zealand recipient in five
seasons.
Plum-King made her debut in August and "caught the eye with her physicality,
defensive work and presence at the breakdown," World Rugby said.
France was held up over the tryline early and trailed only 12-7 at halftime but
was gradually overwhelmed by the Black Ferns' robust pack, brilliant handling
and sparky backline.
Left wing Ayesha Leti-I'iga softened up France for New Zealand's first-half
tries to Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, who broke Kendra
Cocksedge's Black Ferns single season points record and extended it to 103.
Hooker Mailys Mailagi powered over for France just before halftime but French
chances were limited in the second half.
The New Zealand pack reasserted itself to set up tries for Tuliau-Tua'a and
Maddi Robinson. While Tuliau-Tua'a was in the sin-bin, Mererangi Paul flew over
from a kick-pass by Amy du Plessis, and replacement hooker Vici-Rose Green
nabbed the last try.
The Black Ferns finished the year with 10 wins in 11 matches, the only loss to
England on a last-second Harrison intercept try.
___
See AP's full rugby coverage here
|
