RWC2025 | Allan Bunting, co-captain Ruahei Demant and Braxton Sorensen-McGee react to the Black Ferns' 62-19 win

New Zealand head coach Allan Bunting, co-captain Ruahei Demant and Mastercard Player of the Match Braxton Sorensen-McGee react to the Black Ferns' 62-19 win over Japan in Pool C at Sandy Park that clinched their place in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

Allan Bunting, head coach

On whether the performance is nearing their best:

"Our ladies got some good game time out there. Everyone has had some game time now. We have a lot to build off. Our discipline really cost us. We got to test ourselves. I was happy looking at young Brax [Braxton Sorensen-McGee] out there, shining like a little star that she is."

On whether Sorensen-McGee could ever overtake Portia Woodman-Wickliffe as top try scorer:

"She's only just getting started, she's got a bright future ahead of her and it's good to see Portia [Woodman-Wickliffe] out there."

On whether everything is going as planned:

"The mindset of our ladies has been outstanding but we have plenty more to build off that."

Ruahei Demant, co-captain

On the history of New Zealand playing in Devon:

"I wasn't even aware of the history of this place so to hear that we add to the legacy and history of the teams in black that have come here makes today even more meaningful. It makes it even more special."

On whether the team has hit top gear:

"We are still quite a way off. I don't think we have put together an 80-minute performance yet and there were moments in that game where we had momentum and dropped off. That's what we want, we don't want to be perfect yet. There's still an opportunity for us to continue to build as we make our way through the tournament."

On whether they have put a marker down for the game against Ireland:

"It's always a good rivalry. Personally, all our focus has been on this game so our focus hasn't switched yet. We will stay in this moment and celebrate this one before we turn and focus on the challenge they'll present."

On Braxton Sorensen-McGee:

"I'm so proud of Brax. This is her first time playing at a Rugby World Cup, this is her debut season in the Black Ferns and you wouldn't know. She is such a wise and mature player. She is one of the smallest players in our team but with the biggest heart and the biggest shoulders. Performances like this aren't a rarity. We get to see lots at home and I'm so proud that the world gets to see the talent that she has."

On Portia Woodman-Wickliffe:

"I think a lot of people call P the female Jonah Lomu. She is the most influential women's rugby player in the world. I'm so proud and fortunate that I am able to play alongside her as a team-mate and not in opposition. Regardless of the accolades and the milestones, for those of us who know her she is one of the most humble, down-to-earth people that you'll ever meet. I know that she'll say the tries are just her doing her job but it's so nice to have someone like her outside you to finish off the opportunities that the girls create."

Mastercard Player of the Match Braxton Sorensen-McGee

On her emotions:

"It's pretty unreral. I am crying because I saw my auntie."

On where her impressive performance came from:

"I have no clue. I've got to give it to my girls. They set me up for most of my tries."

On why she plays with no fear:

"It's just confidence in myself. The girls do really well to back me and make sure I have confidence."