It’s a ‘blessing’: Black Ferns relish historic
Black Ferns skipper Fiao’o Faamausili has labelled her team’s historic double-header test series against the Wallaroos a resounding success, even if they did have to play second fiddle on the big stage to the All Blacks.
The world champion New Zealand women’s side made short work of an improved Wallaroos outfit, retaining the Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy with a 31-11 victory in Sydney last week, and continuing their perfect record against their transTasman rivals with a 45-17 runaway win at Eden Park on Saturday.
Despite some suggestions that the Ferns might have been better off playing stand-alone fixtures, rather than being forced to play the ‘‘warmup’’ act to the Bledisloe main events, Faamausili considered the historic doubledouble a hugely worthwhile exercise.
‘‘Every test we get on the big grounds is awesome for us – a blessing,’’ said the Black Ferns hooker after her side turned a 19-10 halftime advantage into a dominant victory with four second-half tries. ‘‘To have a fixture alongside the All Blacks, all the girls were excited, especially on home turf where family and friends can be present.
‘‘If we do get tests on our own, that’s outstanding but, as Black Ferns, it’s just about getting more test matches and getting out there and displaying what the women’s game is all about. Whether it’s on