World Cup in mind as Ferns tackle US
Opportunities running out for NZ players to nail places for October tournament
Wayne Smith welcomes the tough decisions ahead of him as the Black Ferns ramp up their Rugby World Cup bid. Today, the team play their final match of the Pacific Four series, looking to back up their wins over Australia and Canada when they meet the US in Whangārei.
Before the series began, the team’s director of rugby said he would give every member of the squad an opportunity on the pitch, and he has followed through on that, with front rowers Leilani Perese, Natalie Delamare and Lucy Anderson named for their first match in the Pacific Four Series.
Delamare and Anderson will be making their Black Ferns debuts.
The side went into the series with 11 uncapped in the squad and many have shown they belong on the international stage; No 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker and wing Ruby Tui featuring most prominently.
“To have genuine competition for spots has got to be good,” Smith said. “We have 11 debutants and they’ve all played really well when they’ve had their opportunity.
“You can really feel the team gelling. There’s an incredible vibe within the team; there’s a vibe within women’s rugby. There’s huge joy in getting these opportunities and there’s a lot of gratitude in the women’s game.”
It hasn’t just been their work on the pitch that has caught Smith’s attention, but off it as well. Speaking about the enjoyment the players have being in the environment, he said they carry an outstanding attitude and love for the game.
“We went to a school yesterday . . . we thought maybe two or three would come along, but there were just about more Black Ferns than kids there. It’s outstanding,” Smith said. “Their attitude is outstanding, the love for the game is brilliant and there’s going to be real competition going forward.
“I love this team; I love the girls . . . But that makes it more difficult from a coaching and selector’s point of view. It’s difficult enough picking teams, but when you’re creating something you’re proud of, it’s difficult to dismantle that and put others in, but that’s our job.
“We have to pick the best team for the Rugby World Cup and there are still a lot of hoops to jump through to get there.
Those dates are coming up pretty quickly, so there’s a bit of pressure on the selectors.”
With just today’s match against the US and an August test against Australia before October’s World Cup, there will be limited opportunities for players to put their hands up for inclusion in the squad for the big tournament.
With a couple of players making their debuts, Smith said it would be up to their teammates to ensure those debuts were memorable ones.
“For Nat and Lucy, it will rely on the rest of the team how good their debut is, they can’t go out and really shine unless the others go out and shine. I’m hoping the team understands that and really stands up for them. I’m pretty sure they will,” said Smith.
Among other changes to the team that shut out Canada last weekend, halfback Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu and hooker Perese will make their first test starts, as will midfielder Sylvia Brunt.