PARIS (AP) — New Zealand’s bid for a fifth successive Women’s Rugby World Cup title next year will begin with the first match against the United States in 10 years.
First-time matchups will be against Six Nations holder Ireland and Kazakhstan. The draw on Wednesday put all four in Pool B.
In their last World Cup meeting, New Zealand’s Black Ferns beat the American Eagles in the 1998 final in Amsterdam to begin their tournament domination.
England, runner-up in the last three World Cups, drew Nations Cup champion Canada, Spain and Samoa, while Pool C features host France plus Australia, Wales and South Africa.
The tournament runs from Aug. 1-17 in and around Paris.
