'We were told women's rugby doesn't matter. 12 years later, Eden Park's sold out bro.'
When Black Ferns stars Ruby Tui and Kendra Cocksedge met 12 years ago, they were told “women’s rugby doesn’t matter” – but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Black Ferns have inspired and united the nation during their epic run at the World Cup, as these players continue to rewrite what was once throught to be possible.
Players such as Tui, Cocksedge and Stacey Fluhler are among an outstanding group of New Zealand women who’re embodying their roles as pioneers for the next generation who’re watching on in awe.
New Zealand are now just a matter of days away from playing against World No. 1 England in a Rugby World Cup final at a sold-out Eden Park.
As Tui reflected, a “special moment” in history awaits both women’s rugby, and the nation of Aotearoa.
“Just imagine this nobody knows who the Black Ferns are, nobody know what they look like, nobody follows women’s rugby, we’re told you’ll never be paid,” Tui told reporters.
“We’re told we’re not giving you Eden Park for the World Cup, we’ll give you somewhere that holds five thousand.
“We’re told women’s rugby doesn’t matter and here we are 12 years later, Eden Park’s sold out bro.
“We’ve all got stories, we’ve got amazing people in the team… we’re at home, we’re playing the best team in the world, and I’m sitting here talking to the most media I have for the Black Ferns.
“It’s a special moment, it’s a really, really special moment.
“Sometimes kiwis can be so laid back we’re lying down but we’ve finally got up. We’re stoked about it.”
The Black Ferns have come a long way in 12-months, and they’ve captured the imagination of the nation who are now daring to dream along with these players.
The women in black played two Tests each against both England and France during their end-of-season tour last year, and were defeated by emphatic margins in all four matches.
But spurred on by both the hope and passion of a nation, the Black Ferns rewrote their own history as the team beat France in Auckland to qualify for the final.
Sure, it came down to a missed penalty kick from flyhalf Caroline Drouin in the final minute, but the sheer euphoria from the players and crowd as Cocksedge kicked the ball out was incredible.
While they passed their first close contest of the tournament, it doesn’t get any easier against England.
The Red Roses are full of confidence, and are charging into the World Cup decider on the back of a 30-Test win streak.
While pressure is part of elite sport, the Red Roses have made sure to remind the Black Ferns of the stakes of Saturday’s decider. https://t.co/m0aX1rJxsa
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 10, 2022
“We’re about to play the best team in the world,” Tui added.
“Obviously want to take their heads off, but I’m proud of them for what they’ve done for women’s rugby. They’re leading the world in all facets of it, we’ve got a little bit of catching up to do.
“To play the best team in the world in New Zealand, sold out at Eden Park, in front of Aotearoa… I can’t wait for that.”
Under the guidance of rugby supercoach Wayne Smith, the Black Ferns have transformed their game, and now possess one of the most threatening attacking brands of rugby in the sport.
Veteran halfback Cocksedge said she’s really enjoying being able to “express myself more.”
“I probably fell into a bit of a structured game the last few years and when Smithy came on and the first thing he said to me is we’re not doing any box kicks, we’re getting rid of that as part of our game,” Cocksedge said.
“For me I’ve just been allowed to express myself more a bit more and as a nine we love that, to be able to play freely and just play what’s in front is important.
“For someone that’s been around for a long time I could’ve had a real fixed mindset on that but I’ve got a growth mindset and I absolutely love being able to play the way we are.
“I’m actually enjoying it, I think that’s probably what it comes down to. I probably just got into a position where I was just being a halfback and I was just passing, but now I’m taking quick taps, I can have runs around the rucks if it’s on.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Lets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
10 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
10 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
14 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to commentsHe seems to have the same aura as Marcus Smith - by which I mean he’s consistently judged as if he’s several years younger than he actually is. Mngomezulu has played 24 times for the Stormers. When Pollard was his age he had played 24 times for South Africa! He has more time to develop, but he has also had time to do some developing already, and he hasn’t demonstrated nearly as much talent in that time as one would expect. If he is a generational talent, then it must be a pretty poor generation.
6 Go to commentsThe greatest Springbok coach of all time is entirely on the money. Rassie and Jacques have given the south african public a great few years, but the success of the springbok selection policy will need to be judged in light of what comes next. The poor condition that the provincial system is currently in doesn’t bode well for the next few years of international rugby, and the insane 2026 schedule that the Boks have lined up could also really harm both provincial and international consistency.
22 Go to comments