The theme of the Black Ferns World Cup campaign is to ‘be brave.’<\/p>\n
Coach Alan Bunting embodied this notion during their farewell at Manurewa Intermediate today, belting out a rendition of Dua Lipa’s Levitating.<\/p>\n
His performance captured the energy of the goodbye perfectly, as the Ferns boogied away with their young fans before departing for their Rugby World Cup defence in England.<\/p>\n
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\nBlack Ferns (from left) Chryss Viliko, Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Jorja Miller and Braxton Sorenson McGee at today’s farewell.
\nPhoto: RNZ\/Marika Khabazi\n<\/p>\n
Ferns fever ran absolutely rampant in South Auckland, as a deafening reception greeted the squad.<\/p>\n
Bunting said it was special to see the students so inspired by the Black Ferns.<\/p>\n
“I know that every one of these ladies here had someone to look up to and I know that for you to be her, you had to see her. These connections are vital to the Black Ferns heartbeat and we will take that with us.”<\/p>\n
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\nBlack Ferns fever ran rampant at Manurewa Intermediate on Wednesday afternoon.
\nPhoto: RNZ\/Marika Khabazi\n<\/p>\n
Following formalities was a Q+A with members of the school’s champion girls sevens team.<\/p>\n
Asked who inspired her on her rugby journey, flanker Jorja Miller responded “Probably Richie McCaw,” which drew a bit of a groan from the audience, before she continued “and Portia Woodman”, as the crowd erupted in cheers.<\/p>\n
“Do you ever get scared during a game?” prop Chryss Viliko was asked.<\/p>\n
“Of course, but you overcome that and find the joy in it.”<\/p>\n
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\nManurewa Intermediate student asks Black Ferns a question during their World Cup farewell.
\nPhoto: RNZ\/Marika Khabazi\n<\/p>\n
The fitting final question went to prop Tanya Kalounivale: “What do you want all the kids who love to play rugby to know?”<\/p>\n
“Enjoy the little moments.”<\/p>\n
A dance party then broke out with players, staff and students rocking out to Justin Bieber, Whitney Houston and Beyonce.<\/p>\n
But the Ferns know the serious stuff is just around the corner.<\/p>\n
“It’s a bit daunting but I feel we have done the hard yards to get to this position, we are prepared for what’s to and we have the support of our nation and that’s all that matters,” Kalounivale said.<\/p>\n
“We are all we have over there.”<\/p>\n
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\nCoach Alan Bunting addresses students at Manurewa Intermediate.
\nPhoto: RNZ\/Marika Khabazi\n<\/p>\n
It marks a debut tournament for fellow prop Viliko.<\/p>\n
“When I think about it I get emotional, I think about my family and the people I carry with me and who have supported me on my journey.”<\/p>\n
She said it won’t be just her whanau she carries to the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n
“We stand on the shoulders of the wahine toa who have played before us, we wouldn’t be here without them.”<\/p>\n
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\nManurewa Intermediate students in full voice as they farewell the Black Ferns ahead of their Rugby World Cup campaign.
\nPhoto: RNZ\/Marika Khabazi\n<\/p>\n
As for what ‘being brave’ looks like come World Cup time?<\/p>\n
“Putting our hand up, giving it a go, and playing with freedom.”<\/p>\n
The quest to go back to back begins.<\/p>\n
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\nManurewa Intermediate pupils were excited to see the players on Wednesday.
\nPhoto: RNZ\/Marika Khabazi\n<\/p>\n