Black Ferns fans have turned out to support the team, in England for the World Cup quarter final against South Africa, on Saturday night: Simon Webster (left) and Justin Webster, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s cousin-in-law and cousin.
Photo: Lucy Thomson
After emerging atop their pool, the Black Ferns are now at the business end of their World Cup defence, when they take on South Africa in the quarterfinals, with kickoff at midnight tonight (follow our live blog, below).
While the Springboks are two-time defending men’s champions, their female counterparts have not yet become a force on the world stage, but have been the big improvers at this tournament..
The NZ women must win to progress to a possible semifinal meeting with Canada.
Join us for all the action, for the Black Ferns’ quarter-final against South Africa, from Exeter, at midnight Saturday:
UK Correspondent Lucy Thomson, in Exeter: Friends and whānau central to Black Ferns’ World Cup success
Friends and whānau have always been at the heart of the Black Ferns’ team culture, and this Rugby World Cup is no exception.
With the knockout stages of the tournament kicking off tonight, the number of supporters on the ground in England has swelled once again, boosted by the arrival of more family and friends this week.
Nikki Black (left) and daughter Keira Webster (right), before the game on Saturday.
Photo: Lucy Thomson
“Lots of our families are the reason why we play, the reason we’re here, so having them here is really, really special for us,” tighthead prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu said, ahead of their quarter-final clash with South Africa on Saturday.
The team has been based in England for the past month, and both players and management have acknowledged the lift that supporters bring on and off the field.
“Each time we have our jersey presentations and families come in, it grows,” coach Tony Christie told RNZ.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee scores a try for NZ against Ireland (file photo).
Photo: www.photosport.nz
“You do start to feel a little bit homesick being away from family, but seeing all our families start to arrive as we get down to the business end is really uplifting for our team,” Mahutariki-Fakalelu added.
It’s not just friends and whānau who are getting behind the Black Ferns either.
“In every place that we’ve been to you get a lot of good lucks and smiles. Women’s rugby in general, people are a lot more interested in it,” midfielder Theresa Setefano said.
More than 10,000 fans are expected at Sandy Park Stadium in Exeter tonight, with expat Kiwis travelling from across England to show their support.
“There’s a real buzz out there, it’s pretty cool.”
The Black Ferns’ quarter-final against South Africa kicks off at midnight tonight (New Zealand Time).
Renee Holmes’ Dad Laurie Holmes, ready to start cheering.
Photo: Lucy Thomson
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