Versatile Saili on edge as Black Ferns prepare
When two Southlanders get together to chew the fat, they speak a special kind of language.
Rugby, rainfall and the best brand of four-wheel drive are the topics of conversation – and we roll our rrrrs just to make each other giggle.
When speaking to 19-year-old Southlander and one-test Black Fern Alena Saili, though, it’s rugby that dominates.
This youngster was born to play it and you can hear the excitement in her voice at the prospect of running on to a packed out Eden Park tomorrow against the Wallaroos for just her second test match.
The talented wing had her first win in the black jersey last weekend against the Wallaroos in Sydney, but is still to chalk up her first test try.
The nerves are still there. Given her New Zealand sevens experience and training, Saili is getting the hang of wearing a black jersey, but it is early days.
As her last name would indicate she has strong Samoan roots, and was born in Porirua, north of Wellington. She moved to the deep south when she was only one and grew up watching her own mum play at club level in Invercargill, bringing out the kicking tee for the team. She knew she was going to play rugby even then, but she has exceeded all expectations of herself.
Straight out of Southland Girls’ High School, Saili shifted to Tauranga to be part of the New Zealand sevens programme in January. She hasn’t looked back, but admits it has been an adjustment.
‘‘I’m slowly getting used to the training schedule and just being away from home.’’
In sevens, Saili plays prop, but her skill set says she could play anywhere from one to 15 in the bigger code.
She hasn’t decided what she
will do outside of rugby, but she is clever enough to know the sport will only take her so far.
‘‘It’s been pretty hectic this year with training and stuff. I am still looking at things I can do outside of rugby.’’
Growing up playing rugby, she has idolised the All Blacks, because the Black Ferns weren’t so prolific while she was at school, but this is changing.
She now models her play on one of the most popular women’s wingers of modern times, Portia Woodman. ‘‘Do what Portia does’’ runs through her head often.
‘‘I’ve just been looking at her highlight reels seeing what I need to do.’’
The team is without sevens players Woodman, Sarah Goss and Kelly Brazier, who have apparently decided to focus on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Saili was among five debutantes in Sydney, but you wouldn’t have known it with the 31-11 scoreline. However, coach Glenn Moore doesn’t think they have hit the benchmark they have set for themselves.
The Wallaroos have never beaten the Black Ferns and if they don’t tomorrow, they will have to wait at least another year for another attempt due to the light schedule. The Black Ferns have won all 14 matches between the sides dating back to 1994.