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Time for New Zealand to invest in the Black Ferns or accept the consequences

Black Ferns (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

New Zealand and England are regarded as two of the most competitive women’s teams in the world.

Yesterday’s match at Franklin’s Gardens was sold as a head-to-head clash, yet the rugby on show could scarcely have been further from that.

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After the Black Ferns’ 56 -15 defeat to England, we are seeing the world order of women’s rugby changing and hearing some serious questions as to why this is happening.

To give perspective, the Black Ferns have an 87 per cent success rate in test match rugby; they are consistent winners of the World Cup and usually a highly feared team so what changed?

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Siya Kolisi

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Siya Kolisi

The first port of call is COVID-19 related since the visitors last played 26 months ago. Compared to the 14 matches the Red Roses have played and won, this goes some way to explain their monumental defeat.

But delving deeper it seems investment, or lack of, is also a big contributing factor. Speaking after their first test defeat, women’s rugby advocate Alice Soper said: “If New Zealand Rugby are serious about defending their World Cup at home, they need to be backing those girls to do another Northern tour before then because if they think this is going to do it, it won’t.”

Is it the case that the Black Ferns have simply played too little rugby together? Or are we seeing a need for systematic change in the way New Zealand rugby invests in the Black Ferns?

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Next March New Zealand welcomes a new national club competition, Super Rugby Aupiki, which sees teams face off during a four-week window. This competition has been described by some as the stepping-stone between the Farah Palmer Cup and the Black Ferns.

While short in nature, it will provide more playing opportunities, which can only be positive. In addition, the Red Roses were awarded 30 full-time contracts in 2019, meaning the bulk of the squad, including newly-appointed captain Poppy Cleall, are able to train together consistently.

By contrast, the Black Ferns do have contracts in place, but they are less than full-time. The contracts follow a hybrid model, similar to those recently offered to Wales’ women’s squad.

While the final result was shocking, it is important to direct attention to the end product. Across two test matches we have seen what real investment in the women’s game can deliver since this England squad has been building and galvanizing for years.

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Even a blow as big as losing the team’s key play-maker to injury seemingly made little difference to England’s preparations. The squad understands the game and each other in ways that other teams can only dream of.

It is also clear to see how the quality of play in the Allianz Premier 15’s has helped mould world-class international players. Prior to the match, head coach Simon Middleton said he “wasn’t worried” about putting uncapped players up against the Black Ferns, explaining that the standard of play in the Premier 15’s has “well prepared” them for anything New Zealand had to offer.

The effect of the Allianz Premier 15’s on the standard of play is undeniable. The league has this year attracted a significant number of overseas’ players, and can you really blame them? Competition at domestic level is fierce – players run on to the pitch expecting a challenge in each match they play. These women have been taught to expect high standards, it’s been drilled into them from a club perspective, so are we really that surprised that England are dominating the Autumn Internationals?

The Red Roses aren’t yet done, they still have a depth of world-class players in the wings waiting to show what they are made of. It must also be worrying for opponents to see uncapped players such as Holly Aitchison and Maud Muir seamlessly slip into the international set up, as if they have been there for years.

However, it must also be acknowledged that there is still plenty of rugby to be played before the next World Cup. In New Zealand, we are seeing a team that has only just, after two years, come together. Writing them off would be foolish, they still have 11 months in which to pull this out of the bag, and if anyone can do it, the Black Ferns can. That said, much will depend on how much investment is available prior to the World Cup. Hopefully this loss will serve as a wake-up call to those in power and finally generate some long-term investment in women’s rugby.

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johnz 15 minutes ago
'Let's not sugarcoat it': Former All Black's urgent call to protect eligibility rules

This is such a devisive issue in New Zealand, Razor is a brave man; people tend to take polarising stands of all or nothing positions. I suspect there's a balanced compromise, if people are able to discuss the pros and cons rationally. There are good arguments from both sides of the debate, and as with all controversial issues, the solution is rarely black and white.


But let's take the Barrett vs Mounga debate, a topic that never grows old. I think some context is in order when Barrett is proclaimed as "loyal", while it seems to be insinuated that Mo'unga is not.


A little history is needed regarding Barrett's loyalty - so far he has had 2 (or 3?) sabbaticals, which are really just overseas-based All Black's by stealth. Since he left the Hurricanes, he's 'been a bit part player at the Blues at best, while his performances at SR level have left plenty to be desired. As of last season, he quit NZ Rugby for Japan. It's concievable the rise of Mounga played a part in that decision, while Mounga's subsequent departure appears to have played a part in BB's return.


Only after the fact BB tried to negotiate a contract to be the 1st official overseas-based player. So loyal? Maybe. Opportunistic? Probably. It's clear Barrett's first instinct was not commitment and sacrifice to the coalface of Super Rugby.


I don't recall a Mo'unga being awarded a sabatical at all, and he has been a far bigger contributor than Barrett has at Super Rugby level for quite some time. Perhaps NZR just didn't value Mo'unga enough to bend the rules the same as they have for Barrett?


NZR have always massaged the rules for Barrett and expended a lot of financial resources to keep his services. At the same time, our player depth get's stripped away, as premier SR players, such as Plumber and Burke, take off for better pay cheques elsewhere.


Personally, I wouldn't mind if the big wage bill for a few aging stars like Barrett are shared with Japan. I'm not convinced Barrett's adding much at SR level and the money could be used elsewhere. Just as long as there's no guarantee of a jersey for such marque players, I don't see a big issue.

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