Black Ferns rule the world
The Black Ferns have been on the rollercoaster of their lives in a historic Rugby World Cup and finished with the euphoria of a sixth title before a world record crowd for the women’s game at Eden Park.
An outcome where they would beat the northern powerhouses, France then England, to lift the trophy they call ‘‘Nancy’’ seemed improbable only five months ago.
However, they beat both in similarly dramatic conclusions and did so with heart, some good fortune, determination, attacking flair, oodles of joy and fun which captured the public’s imagination, and a clinical efficiency of world champions in big moments.
The campaign began amid the turbulent fallout from last year’s troubled northern tour and the team’s damning culture review.
It ended with a magical night in Auckland on Saturday, completing a remarkable comeback in a dramatic final against world No 1 England, whose record winning streak ended at 30 after more than three years of dominance in which they have accelerated the game’s tentative steps into professionalism.
It wasn’t meant to be for England, despite a heroic effort with a player less after Lydia Thompson’s crucial red card in the 18th minute for rushing late into a tackle, clashing heads with Kiwi superstar Portia Woodman, who
was knocked out.
This was New Zealand’s moment – it was written in the stars, said gracious England coach Simon Middleton – in iconic coaching mentor Wayne Smith’s last occasion on the game’s big stage and 42,579 filled Eden Park to create an incredible atmosphere.
Smith said the Black Ferns’ 34-31 victory against England was the most phenomenal moment of his career.
The 65-year-old reluctantly took the job in April after Glenn Moore’s resignation and joining
the staff were some other familiar faces – fellow former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry and scrum guru Mike Cron – with assistants Wes Clarke and Whitney Hansen and sevens mastermind Allan Bunting.
That coaching team inspired the Black Ferns to glory in a tournament that should be a watershed moment for women’s rugby, although what’s next for their coaches isn’t yet clear – except for Smith and Henry, who have indicated they’re retiring.
The first women’s World Cup
held in New Zealand – 31 years after its first tournament in Wales in 1991 – will be remembered for the passionate, unprecedented support the Black Ferns have revelled in, smiling, laughing, dancing and enjoying the moment with record crowds in Auckland and Whangā rei.
Eden Park was rocking on the opening night against Australia and for their semifinal with France, with a joyous, more diverse crowd that probably wouldn’t be seen in the typical audience for a live men’s rugby