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'They're not girls, they're legends': Ardern thanks Black Ferns 'for changing history'

(Photo by Mark Tantrum/Getty Images)

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has praised the Black Ferns for “changing history” last month, as they were crowned world champions in front of more than 42,000 fans at Eden Park.

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The significance of this year’s Rugby World Cup transcends sport, as New Zealand’s women’s rugby team both inspired and united a rugby-mad nation like never before.

Under the guidance of super coach Wayne Smith, the Black Ferns dared to dream of a once improbable World Cup triumph.

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The memories of a disastrous end-of-season tour to England and France hadn’t been forgotten, as the Black Ferns began their tournament on home soil less than a year later.

But the Black Ferns were a different team, and they on the cusp of history.

New Zealand had revolutionised their attack under Smith, and were able to capture the hearts of Aotearoa as they dared to dream.

The Black Ferns were heroic in how they carried themselves both on and off the field, and the impact they were able to have is still being felt today.

This week, the Black Ferns have travelled around the country for their ‘Thank you, Aotearoa’ tour, which included a stop at Parliament earlier this week.

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Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern thanked the champion team on Tuesday “for showing girls that they can do anything.”

“We’re all here in person for one reason, and one reason alone – and that’s to say thank you to this incredible team,” Ardern said.

“I thought it was captured by one sign that stood there in that sold out Eden Park crowd, held by one young fan, that said ‘they’re not girls, they’re legends.’

“I’m just here to say, alongside all of you, alongside MPs from every party in Parliament, thank you.

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“Thank you for making our national game, everybody’s game, thank you for being role models, thank you for changing history.

“Thank you for showing girls that they can do anything, and that when they take the field, they’re not girls – they’re sportspeople at the top of their game, who deserve our recognition.

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“Thank you for showing everyone what you have done for years, not just months.

“Thank you for being world champions.”

The Black Ferns’ thrilling win over France in their semi-final was a ground-breaking occasion for the team, as they played in front of a sold out Eden Park.

Rugby fans were at full voice in the dying stages of that Test, as the team desperately held on for a famous win.

But the support continued to grow over the next week, as the famous Auckland venue was sold out again for the decider against World No. 1 England.

The Red Roses, who were on a 30 Test unbeaten streak ahead of the final, were heavily favoured to win back the World Cup – and to break kiwi hearts.

But a match-winning lineout steal from lock Joanah Ngan-Woo in the dying stages ultimately won the final for the home team, who won the tournament for a sixth time.

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R
RedWarrior 38 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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