Jorja Miller faces race against time in Black Ferns World Cup bid

The Black Ferns have been restored to their full complement this week, with their Black Ferns Sevens stars joining them in Christchurch, but whether or not the cross-code talents can transition convincingly remains to be seen.

While veteran players Dhys Faleafaga, Stacey Waaka and Theresa Setefano have donned a black jersey in the fifteens game before, young guns Jorja Miller and Risi Pouri-Lane are stepping into a professional XV environment for the first time.

Both have plenty of experience in the traditional format from their upbringings, but the step up, especially on the eve of playing world No. 2-ranked Canada, is dramatic.

Miller, recently crowned Player of the Year after on the SVNS circuit after taking out the crown, said there was “so much” to learn.

“Honestly, we have been pen to paper. But, I think at the end of the day it is just rugby, and I think the girls really support us out there, just back our abilities to perform,” the 21-year-old told media in Christchurch.

“Yeah, a lot of learning, but it’s exciting and at the end of the day, just rugby.”

The Christchurch local said the biggest learning is coming from traditional forward work against players not encumbered by the fast-paced demands of sevens.

“Probably, for me coming into the forwards, its the physicality. I’m used to sevens, used to little bodies and heaps of space. Now, it’s the hit-ups, the bigger bodies, the big tackles. But I think that excites me.

“Being an openside flanker, I love that stuff. I love the dirty work around the rucks and getting over the ball, so I’m excited for that.”

With proven game-breaking ability, Miller was asked if she considered stepping out into the backline instead of the loose forwards.

“Funnily enough, I’m actually not that fast. Some people say I look quite fast, but no, I was definitely always going to play openside.

“As opensides we play out in the backs a bit in phase play, so that’s exciting for me. Hopefully, I get a little bit more space out there.”

Having come from a well-established professional environment and stepping into one still expanding in its professionalism, Miller has been impressed by the depth and competitiveness of the Black Ferns squad.

“You come out here every day, it’s always a competition, and that’s obviously going to make the best team in the world. That internal competitiveness is what’s going to drive this team to be the greatest.

“The depth, you’ve seen Braxton (Sorensen-McGee). She’s been unreal, 18 years old, come onto the world stage and showcased what she has. So, it’s an exciting future.”

Fixture

Pacific Four Series

New Zealand Women

27 - 27

Full-time

Canada Women

All Stats and Data

Excited by the challenge of a new code and a potential Rugby World Cup experience, Miller is following in the footsteps of giants in making the transition for a shot at gold.

Just three years ago, Sevens teammates like Sarah Hirini, who also came into the Black Ferns as an openside flanker, were key components of New Zealand’s world title run.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunity, and you’ve obviously seen it in the past. That’s what set the pathway for the likes of me and Risi this year, to follow.

“I think there’s a lot of growth and opportunities that you can take into both codes.

“I think nowadays with the talent, it’s a lot harder to do, and it’s going to continue to be like that. It’s going to get harder to cross over because the teams are going to be stacked on both sides.”

The Black Ferns team to face Canada will be named on Thursday, and with just one further game – against the USA on the North Shore – to play in the Pacific Four Series, time is short for Miller to prove she’s got the goods for World Cup selection.

“If I’m ready and I’ve got my best foot forward, that’s all I can do. At the end of the day, it’s just rugby, so hopefully I can get the performances out there.”