TAKING ON THE WORLD

Black Ferns fullback Renee Holmes, of Gisborne, scores a try agianst USA during the Pacific Four Series at Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei in June. There are three games played at Eden Park to start the tournament today with South Africa playing against France at 2.15pm, Fiji v England at 4.45pm and the finale sees the Black Ferns taking on Australia at 7.15pm.Picture by Michael Cunningham

The Black Ferns go into the women's Rugby World Cup being held in Aotearoa for the first time as defending champions. Radio NZ has the lowdown on who's here and how to watch this showpiece event.

What's at stake?

The women's game both in this country and internationally, lags behind the men's game in terms of salaries, sponsorship, media coverage and even basic facilities at grounds.

“The development of women in rugby is the single greatest opportunity for our sport to grow in the next decade,” World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin says.

New Zealand has produced many brilliant players in its run to five world cups and it's hoped the event will help speed up progress for the game here.

It's also an important way to turn the spotlight on some role models for girls thinking about taking up the sport.

The when and where

The 26-match tournament will take place from today through to the final on November 12.

Matches will be played at Eden Park and Waitakere Stadium in Auckland and at Northland Events Centre in Whangārei — all at weekends.

Twelve countries are taking part. They are split into three pools.

Pool 1: Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales

Pool 2: Canada, Italy, Japan and USA

Pool 3: England, Fiji, France and South Africa.

Having three pools of four means quarterfinals will be needed. The three pool winners and runners-up and the two best third-placed teams will qualify for the quarterfinals.

Two quarterfinals will be played at Northland Events Centre (October 29) and the other two will be staged at Waitakere Stadium (October 30), with the semifinals on November 5 before the eyes of the rugby world will be trained on Eden Park for the final to be played on November 12.

Who are the front runners?

Hosts and defending champions New Zealand are aiming for a sixth title but England, who have won the title twice before, shape as a formidable obstacle.

England are the world's No.1 side and come into the tournament on the back of a record 25-test winning streak, including two big wins over the Black Ferns in 2021.

They have not lost a test since 2019 but they have lost four world cup finals to the Black Ferns.

Meanwhile, the Black Ferns (who are ranked second) are having a better year after their disastrous Northern Hemisphere tour late last year that led to a review of team culture and the resignation of their coach.

Respected former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith has taken over as head coach and the side has recently had a two-test win over Australia and thrashed Japan in their last world cup warm-up match.

France are another top contender. They have made the semifinals seven times but have never made the final and will also need to break a 10-match losing streak to England.

Despite being in the same pool as England, they are expected to advance to the knock-out stages.

Canada are another side to watch. Ranked third in the world they have never finished lower than sixth and made the final in 2014.

Hopes for Kiwi support

Organisers are hoping Eden Park will sell out for the triple-header that will herald the tournament's start today.

If achieved, it would be the first of its kind for a women's sports event at Eden Park, which has a capacity of 47,000.

The first matches include the tournament opener between France and South Africa and Fiji's first women's World Cup match, against England, before the Black Ferns start their campaign against Australia (at 7.30pm).

All up, organisers hope to sell 127,000 tickets. Ticket prices start at $5 for children and $10 for adults and can be bought on the Rugby World Cup website.

Will there be music?

Yes, UK chart-topper Rita Ora has been signed up as the star attraction on opening day. Shapeshifter will perform on semifinals day and Benee will be doing the honours for the final.

How else can you watch matches?

Spark Sport has the major rights to all the matches which will be screened live and on demand but some of the games will also be screened free on Three, including the pool matches for the Black Ferns, quarter and semifinals, and the final.

Have we rolled out the welcome mat?

Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro officially welcomed the players at a function in Auckland on Monday.

“I know the wonderful communities in Auckland and Whangārei will get behind the games and make this a World Cup to remember,” she said.

Fiji captain Sereima Leweniqila said: “We've been through some tough times just to be here so we are just grateful and ready to get out there.”

England captain Sarah Hunter said: “It's special to be here. We've been waiting a long time and the welcome we've had has been absolutely incredible.”

New Zealand co-captain Ruahei Demant said: “Thinking back to 2011 when we hosted the men's World Cup and how much that inspired the nation, we hope that this World Cup can do the same for many New Zealanders and that our country can get out and support the teams.”