On the road!
From the grassroots to test matches, I'm hitting the road to cover it all
Kia ora e hoa mā!
Thanks to you my crew of paid subscribers, you have filled my petrol tank (in this economy!) so I can get myself up to the Bay of Plenty to fill my boots with all things rugby.
Poroporo have made their return to the Bay of Plenty Women’s Club competition this year after a 30+ year hiatus.
First stop will be the Poroporo Women’s Rugby team training on Wednesday night. I will be chucking my gears in my bag because I reckon the best way to learn about a team is to train with them. Thanks to coach Geri Paul, I already have my shirt so I can look the part.
Poroporo will be playing Waikite at home on Sunday and will be looking for their second win of the season. After following the team online, I’m excited to finally see them in action. And if I’m lucky, I might get to see ol’ Geri chuck on her boots and join them.
Patricia Maliepo looking fierce in the promo for round one of the Pacific 4 Series
Then I’ll be around the bay to see the Black Ferns playing in Tauranga in their first test post the environment review. It’s a new look side which will be facing up against Aussie and while you never take anything for granted, Australia is coming off a Super W series dominated by the Fijian Drua and loss to Japan. Add to this the fact that they have never beaten New Zealand, let alone a Black Ferns side hungry to prove themselves and secure their spots in the World Cup 15.
I think the closer match will be the opener between Canada and USA. These two last met each other in November last year, with Canada getting the better of them in both matches (as they generally do). It’s important that fans in Aotearoa familiarise themselves with our Pacific 4 rivals, as we will only be playing them more often when WXV launches next year.
With all the talk of Super Rugby Aupiki, World Cups and reviews, WXV seems to have fallen from the collective rugby consciousness but it represents the biggest shake up coming to the women’s game. It will lock in a regular calendar for all those envious of the 6 Nation format. Wonderful for us fans as we will have a guaranteed international series to sink our teeth into. This increase in annual fixtures across the board will put even more pressure on Unions to professionalise their programmes and get serious about the domestic leagues that feed them. All I can say is FINALLY.
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Left, Steph Te Ohaere-Fox who has played 100+ caps for Canterbury, is an anchor of Matatū and 2010 World Cup Winner.
Right, Ruahei Demant pivot for the Auckland Storm, Blues and newly named captain of the Black Ferns. But above all else, proud member of the College Rifles Rugby Club.
I’ve been having conversations with players that will feature in the Farah Palmer Cup, thank you to those superstars for making themselves available to catch up.
Because I am me, a quick check in about the comp turned into a conversation about EVERYTHING. Really interesting to see how different regions are tackling common challenges regarding pathways from girls to women’s rugby and lopsided club competitions.
Will be sharing these insights with you over the weeks ahead, starting with the two provinces with virtually all the championships between them, Canterbury and the Auckland Storm.
And just for fun
Baby Alice plays hockey with my mate Ella, in my most hated sports uniform of all time.
I seem to remember senior players apparently voted for these dresses which is bananas to me.
I’m looking for a new sport! Club rugby is wrapping early this year to make room for the World Cup. With me not playing representative rugby, I find myself available to give other games a go. I played a lot of different sports when I was younger so I’m keen to get back into it and play for fun. What do you reckon? League? Football? Hockey? Squash?
I have my season tickets to the Tokomanawa Queens, so maybe they’ll provide my inspiration.
With you,
Alice