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'She actually makes rugby look easy': Cocksedge lauds game-changing Black Ferns star
Jaxin Daniels • August 18th, 2025 4:11 pm
Jorja Miller in action for the Black Ferns Sevens | Photo: Chris Wong/Photosport
We are less than a week away from the opening match of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and the excitement is at an all-time high.
Someone who knows something about winning World Cups is three-time champion and 2015 World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, Kendra Cocksedge.
Speaking to Sport Nation Mornings, the legendary halfback highlighted the play of the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year Jorja Miller, who is making her World Cup debut.
“I think she could be a legit, very first hybrid female rugby player in terms of position.
“You could start her at seven or six, or you could play her anywhere to be honest, then she could finish off in the midfield.
“We’ve seen what she’s done already this year, she rips teams apart wherever she plays. She’s the ultimate competitor.
“It’s pretty awesome when you’ve got a player like that, and if you’ve got any injuries at the World Cup, there's that ability to move her around.
“You need her on the field, whatever that looks like, that’s for sure.”
Cocksedge continued to heap praise on the 21-year-old.
“She actually makes rugby look easy. When you're watching her, especially on the sevens field, she just slides through defense like no one else can.
“She's doing some freakish stuff in the 15’s too, so I think you're right, you could probably almost bank that she’ll be in the tournament team and up there pushing for player of the tournament.
“She’s such a talented athlete.”
Kendra Cocksedge is looking forward to the upcoming Women's Rugby World Cup | Photo: John Davidson / Photosport
Seeing the likes of Miller coming through the ranks leaves Cocksedge feeling bullish about the future of the women’s game in New Zealand.
“Some of these girls are so athletic and the talent coming through is great.
“Obviously we need to hold them, but I think we’re in a really good space going forward.
“I’m definitely excited.”
Something Cocksedge hasn’t experienced is being at a World Cup and not actually playing, which she’s unsure how she’ll handle.
“It’s been interesting actually; I’ve found it quite strange.
“I think I’ll be all good until I get over there.
“Even just watching the girls arrive over there, there's been mixed emotions. I'm really excited for them, I feel a bit nervous for them.” Cocksedge told Mornings co-host Ian Smith.
“I'm just excited to be in the crowd at what is probably going to be one of the best World Cups.
“Everytime we have one it seems to beat the other, and it’ll be one hell of an event over in England.”
New Zealand celebrate the Women's Rugby World Cup final | Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
A team Cocksedge knows all too well in a Rugby World Cup final is host nation England, who were runners up in all three of her World Cup triumphs.
“I would say they’re the favourites for sure and I hope it’s going to be a Black Ferns vs England final at Twickenham with a sellout crowd.
“I watched England, they had their first warm up match against France, and they look pretty good. Obviously our girls are looking sharp too.
“It’s gonna be a bit of an uphill battle but obviously backing the girls all the way.”
With Cocksedge now retired, the halfbacks on the plane to England are all making their World Cup debuts.
“They're three very talented athletes that all offer something different.
“I'm actually excited to see what the coaches do there.
“I don't think anyone's really got the number nine jersey yet.
“It is tough when you’re in that position and you’ve got to lead a team around the park if you haven’t experienced a World Cup before.
“But I think they’ll take it with both hands, and they’ll all be fine.”
Steve Devine's message to England's Red Roses | Sport Nation
Although the all-time Black Ferns cap leader isn't taking the field, she’s still getting amongst the World Cup festivities, this time as an ambassador.
“It’s a lot easier to pack when you're a player, you kind of know what you need to put in your bag and you get a lot of outfitting from the team.
“But this time there's obviously no boots.
“Just trying to work out what to pack, get on the plane and get over there and be a part of the World Cup.”
New Zealand’s first game in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks off at 4:30am on Monday, August 25 (NZ time).
Listen to the full interview below:
