Black Fern Trials and Tribulations

The Possibles vs Possibles probably gave more questions than answers

There were many questions asked at the Black Ferns trial Friday night. Why was it the possibles vs possibles instead of possibles vs probables? Why were the teams given Tongan and Fijian names (love the chance to learn but why this, why now)? Why did some players only get called into this trial a week out? And who was responsible for divvying up the talent between the two sides? Because if you wanted an even contest, you’d stacked the deck wrong from the start.

Are you not entertained? Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali revs the crowd up after she slots a 50/22

You only needed to spend a little time on women’s rugby social media after the teams were named to understand that Rawata were the firm favourites. Having the combination of in form players and old warhorses (yes Vic, I’m calling you old even though you’re three years younger than me). Where as Ngalingali was a side of young talent still looking to realise their potential, coupled with older players still looking for their form.

It was a hiding, pure and simple, which gives me approximately zero joy 88 days out from the Rugby World Cup.

But Alice, shouldn’t you be pleased that Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali got to turn up and steal the show? No, this is a problem. This is a player who has not had a Black Ferns game since driving the team to victory at the 2017 World Cup. A player who didn’t participate in Aupiki and who has only recently joined the Otago Spirit’s high performance programme. A player who turned up at the last minute and made the whole thing look like a joke.

We all know how good Vic is but why don’t the Black Ferns?

Is it that they underestimated her dominant performances with Northland? Is it that she doesn’t fit the mould of what you think a first five should look like? Are you uncomfortable that she can also play number eight? Or she too much of a character for the New Zealand Rugby machine?

Whatever it is, it worries me that despite rolling a hundred of players in and out of the Black Ferns environment over the last four years, we still have left a player of Vic’s calibre sidelined until the 11th hour. Worries me too that four years of investment in other players can be beaten by 40 minutes of raw talent.

And if selection history is anything to go by Vic’s masterclass on Friday will not be rewarded. Hazel Tubic, had to be a standout performer for two seasons and wait for an injury to be finally brought into the squad. Joanah Ngan-Woo had to steal every provincial line out, carry tackle pads around the world on tour and be nominated for domestic player of the year before finally getting some game time. Georgia Daals had to surprise (only those outside of Wellington) with her wild card performance for the Chiefs Manawa to earn a call up for the Black Ferns Pango.

Are we watching the same rugby here?

The good news is from Saturday we will be. The Premiership of the Farah Palmer Cup kicks off and then the Championship, a week later. With all Black Fern prospects to take part, I’m hoping that selectors have their notebooks at the ready. I know I will.

With you,

Alice