BLACK FERNS EXCEL AGAIN
VANIA WOLFGRAMM IS EXCITED ABOUT THE BLACK FERNS’ START TO THE YEAR AND THE YOUNG AND OLDER - PLAYERS COMING THROUGH.
The Black Ferns squad recently assembled for the first time in 2023 to compete at the Pacific Four Series
(Pac4). As I watched their opening round against Australia Wallaroos, I couldn’t be more proud to see the 15s game back in action for the year off the back of the RWC2021, but more importantly, the squad housing eight new debutants rewarded for the grind.
A 50-0 win against Wallaroos is not a bad score line for a first hit out, but far from a complete performance, which reflected a balance of RWC2021 experienced players, calm level-headed key drivers, with just the right amount of new blood.
Kate Henwood, someone who was not at all in the frame for Super Rugby Aupiki, went from injury cover, to starting prop position, to standout player for Chiefs Manawa and now a contracted Black Fern. What a remarkable story. It’s true what they say, you are only an injury away from your next opportunity and fortunately for Henwood it has worked in her favour. It would have been a proud moment for the Henwood family seeing Kate run out for her Black Ferns debut.
Mererangi Paul, another player who played her way into the Black Ferns once again, off the back of a superb Super Rugby Aupiki campaign for Chiefs Manawa. The Super Rugby Aupiki competition has highlighted some real gems hasn’t it, and you couldn’t have asked for a better Black Fern debut display with two tries to her name.
One that really excites me is Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt. She is such a well-balanced all-rounded player; skilful, has strong kicking ability, a great understanding of the game, and is ultimately “tough”. I’m excited for the opportunity Sylvia has to master and solidify her position in the midfield with more game time under her belt.
On the radar for me is Lucy Jenkins, a perfect example of someone who’s worked extremely hard at her craft. It’s also a delight to see Grace Gago come into the fold, she always has the willingness to learn, and Esther Faiaoga-Tilo who transitioned from lock/loosie to front rower, no doubt she will gain the much-needed tour experience.
Watching the Pac4 in action, a reflection on previous years although not a new reflection, is how reliant the Black Ferns 15s have been on the Black Ferns Sevens players. While I know there were many different contributing factors as to why, I question whether this will be the start of a new era. Is this the start of the separation of 15s and sevens players? Is there a need to? And what will that look like? With the professional game continuing to evolve the landscape is changing.
Speaking of landscape change, the professional opportunities for women have become more apparent than ever before. Sarah Hirini is in Japan and Ruby Tui is in the USA, both of which were granted sabbatical leave. Hirini is at a time in her career where she has achieved almost everything – an Olympic Gold, World Cups, international series with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens. A sabbatical is timely, at a slower pace, is not as physically demanding and a great experience for her and her husband.
Last year, I commentated on the Manusina 15s v Tonga A women’s match and the following week I received a call from someone enquiring about the potential of a Tongan player. There was an opportunity for her in Japan to gain a university scholarship
while playing rugby. This is an example of the opportunities on offer involving education, life experiences and as a professional to support families. These women are wanting to experience living and playing in different parts of the world, experiences they could only dream of… once upon a time.
We now see the acceleration of professionalism for women in sport and for New Zealand Rugby this has provided a healthy challenge for us. We need to look into how we can leverage off the opportunities we already have here and I’m looking forward to seeing the growth of Super Rugby Aupiki and the Farah Palmer Cup, presented by Bunnings Warehouse. I would love to see an Australian crossover, not a full immersion of the two competitions. The international travel would add a new exciting element for players as well as coaches to grow and develop, and I would absolutely love to see a Pasifika team in the mix.
The standards have risen in different sporting codes and organisations, it challenges us all to be better. We’ve got to always remember that this is better for women’s rugby and women’s sport in general.