‘This is history and I’m enjoying every moment’
Second only to Kendra Cocksedge for caps in their squad, the two-time World Cup-winner could play the final test of a stellar career today. She talks to
RENEE Wickliffe could bow out of international rugby against Wales today after a stellar career in which she has won two Rugby World Cups since her test debut for the Black Ferns in 2009.
The 35-year-old outside back was named on the right wing for her first appearance at her fourth XVs World Cup, in what could be her final match in the black jersey.
She made the cup squad after impressing for Bay of Plenty in this year’s Farah Palmer Cup, something she deserves great credit for because of the quality wings in the side, including champion sevens players Portia Woodman, Ruby Tui, Stacey Fluhler and midfielder Theresa Fitzpatrick.
Confirming her retirement before the landmark RWC at home – the first time the women’s tournament has been held here – Wickliffe is second only to the most-capped Black Fern of all time, halfback Kendra Cocksedge on 63 tests, for caps in their squad of 32.
A XVs World Cup winner in 2010 and 2017, while also having success in sevens, she will play her 45th test at Auckland’s Waitā kere Stadium and on the opposite flank to her wife, Woodman, in her third appearance of 2022.
Injuries permitting, she is unlikely to make the team once in-form power wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga returns from a calf injury – potentially from next weekend against Scotland.
‘‘I get to play in front of my family and friends. This is history. I’m so grateful to play at my fourth World Cup,’’ Wickliffe said.
‘‘I’m the oldest in the team and everyone else is keeping me young. I’m enjoying every moment.’’
Wickliffe has been a key figure of many successful NZ teams and has seen the women’s game grow exponentially, with the Black Ferns becoming a full professional outfit for the first time this season.
That transition has coincided with the end of Wickliffe’s career, which has been special for so many young women who have aspired to be rugby players, teammate Ruby Tui said, reflecting on last Saturday’s world record crowd for a women’s rugby match.
The Black Ferns fought back from 17-0 down to defeat Australia 41-17 at Eden Park in front of 34,235 fans.
‘‘That was a huge moment in history. We’ll never forget that game. It was so cool and unreal,’’ Tui said.
Wickliffe’s return to the right wing for her second start of the season means Tui plays fullback for the first time in her seventh test. Wickliffe has nearly always started, being selected as a substitute only five times in her Black Ferns career.
‘‘I’ve been pinching myself this whole campaign. To play in this team next to
someone like Renee Wickliffe is so special,’’ Tui said.
Wickliffe, who was born in Thames and grew up in Paeroa, is an evasive, fast, versatile outside back. She was sharp and strong against the United States in
Whangā rei in June and scored her 22nd test try as the Black Ferns won 50-6.
Before Covid-19 ripped up the sporting schedules, Wickliffe scored a memorable hat-trick when the Black Ferns beat England 28-13 in San Diego in 2019.
That was England’s last defeat – the RWC favourites have won 26 tests in a row since – and their professional programme was accelerated for NZ.
Wickliffe played on last year’s nightmare northern tour, struggling as the most of the team did after they arrived underprepared for the might and power of stronger English and French sides.
She should get time and space to attack a Welsh team the Black Ferns should over run.
‘‘We want to play free, staying on top, and it’s an exciting game where we can keep moving forward,’’ Wickliffe said. ‘‘Everyone gets to play freely.’’