Retired Ferns captain wants more support
Going out on a loss to France was not in Fiao’o Faamausili’s master plan but she does have a mission.
Support women’s rugby, she says.
Following the Black Ferns’ historic 30-27 loss to France in Grenoble yesterday, she said New Zealanders need to lift their game in regard to supporting women’s rugby.
Despite New Zealand Rugby this week boasting the hosting rights for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021, Faamausili still believes New Zealanders are a far cry behind some nations when it comes to physically supporting the women’s game and getting to the stadium.
‘‘Just keep getting behind the women’s game. As you can see it was standalone game and it was a sellout,’’ she said.
‘‘The French are really up there supporting the women, so we just really want to keep building and fill the stadium, fill the stadium supporting the women’s game.
‘‘Because, by golly, it’s not just a man’s sport, it’s rugby and we love it.’’
Faamausili – who has won four Rugby World Cup titles – said the French crowd was overly supportive of their side and France showed real determination to beat the Black Ferns, who were on a 17-month undefeated run.
France scored four tries to New Zealand’s three as Stacey Waaka, Faamausili and Selica Winiata crossed the whitewash and the Black Ferns, after winning the first test 14-0 last weekend, head home having drawn the series against the Six Nations champions.