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Black Ferns brace for monumental English challenge at iconic Twickenham
SENZ • September 13th, 2024 10:01 am
The Black Ferns will be out for revenge when they take to the park at London's famous Twickenham Stadium, which is expected to be packed to the gills for the clash between two of the planet's women's rugby heavyweights on Sunday (NZ time).
While New Zealand were able to get the best of the English in the World Cup final at Eden Park back in 2022, the Roses have had the upper hand of late, winning their last encounter by a handy margin of 33-12 in the inaugural WXV1 in Auckland last year.
Helping the New Zealanders' cause is the return of strike weapon Ayesha Leti-I’iga, who has been named on the right wing. Leti-I’iga hasn't featured for the Black Ferns since suffering an ACL tear back in June last year and will add a valuable dose of power against the vaunted English.
The hosts have won a staggering 46 of their past 47 Tests, but NZ assistant coach Dan Cron believes his squad is looking sharp and ready to spoil the party this weekend.
"I know when I signed up to coach, the first thing I looked at was when we play England," Cron told SENZ's Scotty & Izzy.
"We've had a very big build up for it. We had a great three-week camp in New Zealand and came over here Saturday, we've ticked the tourist box now and now it's footy time.
"We pretty much had a game today against Wales, had a good hit-out against them. The girls just don't hold back at training - it's two girls enter one girl leave.
"From a coaching point of view, I'm pretty excited about where we're at. It's been a good prep and all that is left to do now is go out and execute and play with a bit of mana."
Listen to the full interview below:
