Black Ferns put perfection on back burner as they build to Cup
We’re trying to build foundations. There are no expectations for perfection this week.
Coach Allan Bunting
As far as the Black Ferns’ priorities for this weekend’s test against the Wallaroos goes, perfection is not high on the list.
The Black Ferns will instead look to add another layer to the foundations they are building with an eye towards the 2025 World Cup this afternoon in Hamilton.
The side made a strong start to their new era during the Pacific Four tournament earlier in the year, scoring 141 points through three tests, winning all three matches and being put under pressure in different ways.
However, they have not played a test since July 15 despite the inaugural WXV 1 tournament being on the horizon.
They have had a two-week window to prepare for this weekend, but Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting said it was part of a bigger picture.
“I think our ladies had a really good Farah Palmer Cup. They worked really hard physically and have done well for their FPC teams, so we’re certainly not going back to zero again,” Bunting said.
“But we’re not just about this Laurie O’Reilly Cup or WXV, we’re looking a little further ahead.
“We’re trying to build some foundations around our game that we’re going to build on. There are no expectations for perfection this week. We really just want effort and intent and play the game that our ladies love.”
Lock Charmaine Smith will make her first appearance for the team since 2019, starting alongside Maiakawanakaulani Roos. It’s a rather remarkable comeback for the 32-year-old after she was forced to retire on medical grounds due to a neck injury in 2020. She was cleared to make a return last year and has earned her spot back at the top level. With incumbent fullback Renee Holmes unavailable due to a shoulder injury, Patricia Maliepo will make her first start of the year, while Chryss Viliko, Layla Sae and Martha Mataele are in line to make their debuts from the bench.
Bunting said when it came to trying to figure out their first-choice XV, that was a work in progress.
“There are some ladies working really hard, there’s some depth coming around the country with some new talent coming through, and we’ve still got a bit of time. But at the moment, some of these ladies are going really well, for some it’s their first test match or only their second or third, so we’re in the early stages. There’s still some water to go under the bridge,” Bunting said.
“We’re two years away and these ladies have really stood out. We’ve picked on form through FPC and what we’ve seen this year, so the ones who are getting opportunities, it’s not just ‘we’ll give you a chance because we want to build depth’. They’ve played well, worked hard and we’ve seen real growth. To have that many ladies earn their spot this year is impressive.”