'Blew the crowd a kiss': How Black Fern felt being booed for the 'first time'

The Black Ferns Sevens are adored by rugby fans around the world – well, most of the time.

Playing on the treasured turf at Hong Kong Stadium for the first time ever on the women’s World Series, New Zealand showed their class during pool play with three big wins.

After opening their campaign with a convincing victory over Hong Kong China, the Black Ferns Sevens also inflicted heavy defeats upon Great Britain and Canada.

The World Series leaders also spend at least 10 minutes signing autographs and taking selfies with supporters – rising star Jorja Miller has been the last player down the tunnel after every match so far.

Clearly, the Black Ferns Sevens have the crowd in their corner – for the most part at least.

During their game against Great Britain on the opening day of the event, the women in black were “booed” by the crowd for the “first time.”

Black Ferns Sevens ace Shiray Kaka decided to a blow a kiss at the booing crowd after scoring a brilliant try during the 43-nil thrashing of GB.

“It’s just been so much fun, first time in Hong Kong, it’s about time,” Kaka told RugbyPass.

“It’s actually surprising because yesterday we got booed, it’s the first time we’ve ever been booed and it was so loud. It’s actually quite cool to experience that.

“It was against Great Britain. I put the ball down, I thought I was hearing cheering but it was actually booing. I was like, ‘This is nice, this is interesting.’

“I’ve never done this before but I blew the crowd a kiss.”

This weekend’s Hong Kong Sevens marked an historic first for the event, as the women’s World Series made its debut at the traditional home of rugby sevens.

Kaka’s neighbours travelled to Hong Kong to supporter her during the historic tournament, and even handed her a flag following the win over Canada on Saturday.

“I didn’t actually notice the history of the game until the leadup coming into Hong Kong.

“My neighbours are here as well from New Zealand, old farmers watching me in the crowd so that’s pretty cool too.

“They were like, ‘I’m going to come watch you play in Hong Kong.’ I don’t know how but they’re here.”