Black Ferns look for clean sweep
The rules are the same, there is the same number of players on the paddock and the shape of the ball is oval - so is women’s rugby in any way different?
Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore says while it is the same game, the way women take in trainings can often be a world apart from the men.
Speaking ahead of the Black Ferns tests series opener which starts in Wellington tomorrow night against Canada, Moore was frank about the great ability his Black Ferns have to listen at trainings.
Not to go in to the battle of the sexes he says, but when coaching women he doesn’t change his tactics or soften the language, nor does he reduce the physical training. But the small difference with the women players is that they tend to be more inquisitive into his methods.
‘‘It is probably the most common question I get asked, and at the end of the day I don’t treat them any different to the men. The thing that stands out the most to me is they [women rugby players] ask a lot of questions and they like to know the why. They have a great work ethic too.’’
The former Otago and Highlanders coach has seen his fair share of first-class rugby and coached some world-class players. He is enjoying the new challenge that coaching a national side brings and hopes to see a clean sweep this series against Australia, England and Canada running until June 17.
Kicking off the series tomorrow, the Black Ferns will play prior to the Hurricanes-chiefs Super Rugby match. Moore said this is great exposure for the women’s game.
Also working in favour of the Black Ferns is the British and Irish Lions series. Rather than seeing this as an overshadowing event, the Black Ferns are excited to be playing alongside the All Blacks and Super Rugby teams.
‘‘There is a lot of interest being generated for the women’s game,’’ Says Moore.
‘‘Everyone is pleased to to be able to play another series at home.’’
The Black Ferns played a test series at home last year, which helped lift the profile of the women’s game, in the same year the women’s sevens side won silver at the Rio Olympics.
This time round Moore feels
relaxed and has been taking the Black Ferns through their paces at their home base in Wellington.
‘‘We have got a lot of work done and have a good plan in place. I feel like we’ve got into a very good place, and it’s been seamless really.’’