The Black Ferns paid a visit to the recently renamed Allianz Stadium this past weekend, as they took on the Red Roses in a WXV warm-up Test. New Zealand were stunned by both the impressive defensive acumen of England and their relentless phases of attack, as the hosts recorded a 24-12 win in the Twickenham sunshine.
The Red Roses rightfully retained their place at the top of the World Rugby rankings, as they achieved their second consecutive win against the Black Ferns, following up on the first ever WXV tournament upon New Zealand soil no less. It has been difficult 12 months for the Black Ferns, who have also suffered recent defeats to France (2023 WXV) and Canada (2024 Pacific Four Series).
New Zealand are clinging on tight to their title of World Champions, with the Red Roses eager to prise their grip off the Women’s Rugby World Cup when the tournament is hosted in England next year. Black Ferns head coach Allan Bunting was flanked by his co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu in the post-match press conference, with the back-rower understanding the need for New Zealand to improve in their efforts against the Red Roses, if they want to retain their World Cup title at the Allianz next September.
“That’s the pinnacle. That’s obviously the goal, but we need to take it game by game and making sure that we capitalise on every opportunity we get. As we’ve seen, the rest of the world is catching up in terms of their rugby, so we’ve got to make sure that we have a good journey to to that to that place.”
“I’m really proud of a lot of things we did out there. I think a lot of things we could have tidied up, just holding on to that ball, so we could shown a bit more of what we’ve got. But credit to the English girls, they’re a good side, they’re relentless. We’re just fortunate to have another opportunity come WXV.”
Whilst the Black Ferns’ co-skipper was disappointed to come away on the losing side of their effort against England, Tukuafu was impressed by how her side stayed in the fight and won the second half. The Red Roses scored three unanswered first half tries, and immediately followed this up with Natasha Hunt’s 41st minute score straight from the re-start. However, the Black Ferns rallied back with Katelyn Vahaakolo’s brace to claim the moral victory of the second 40 minutes, and dent the pride of the Red Roses.
“It’s extremely important. The thing that I love about this team, is that they’ve got a lot of heart, and they never roll over. So again, it’s just about keeping it accurate and making sure that we’re relentless in every moment. So, I think there’s one thing I can count on this team, and it’s just making sure that we hold on to possession and continue to hurt the opposition.”
The sting was slightly taken out of the full-time celebrations, with England head coach John Mitchell expressing how he thought England let the Black Ferns ‘off the hook’. However, the Allianz Stadium continues to be a difficult place for New Zealand’s women’s team to record a win, with the search for a triumph at Twickenham extending to zero wins in four attempts.
However, the Black Ferns relished in the opportunity to play at the home of English Rugby, in what was their first match at the stadium since 2012. New Zealand have toured the grounds since then, with fixtures at Harlequins’ Stoop, Exeter’s Sandy Park and Northampton’s Franklin’s Gardens dwarfed by the 82,000 capacity amphitheater. Whilst the full capacity of the Allianz was not reached for this match, the Black Ferns certainly enjoyed performing their Haka and clashing with England in front of more than 40,000 fans.
“Twickenham is incredible. It echoes and we felt that as we did the Haka. I think the we had enough experience in this group, with a packed out Eden Park (2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final), and what we talk about is turning it around, changing the narrative about those (crowds) that aren’t their fans, they’re ours, and trying to harness that energy.”
Black Ferns head coach Allan Bunting echoed the thoughts of his co-captain, in how it is such a valuable experience for his side to take to the pitch at the Allianz. In what could well have been a dress rehearsal one year away from the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final, Bunting backs his side to step up for the challenge when the crowd is against them, with the passionate England fans heard in full voice last weekend.
“Yes, it’s massively valuable for us. The whole experience, the time away and being able to play on this amazing field, isn’t it an amazing atmosphere? So for us to be able to do that before the World Cups, where still some of these players have played in crowds like this and to play against them. You’re always testing yourself against the best. Obviously a little bit disappointed about today, but massively proud of the growth throughout our game.”