Rugby: Woodman family in Portia's corner for World Cup final

Portia Woodman has her family backing her as she lines up for the Black Ferns in the Women's Rugby World Cup final against England. PHOTO/PHOTOSPORT.NZ

As blockbusting Black Ferns winger Portia Woodman prepares for the biggest match of her rugby career, she has a wealth of support coming from home.

New Zealand take on England in the Women's Rugby World Cup final tomorrow after accounting for USA earlier in the week and Woodman's family will be keeping a close eye on the action.

Richard Woodman, Portia's uncle, said while the family may be spread out and around the North Island, they're all in her corner.

"They're all over the place. Her parents are in Auckland and the rest of the family is scattered around. We're [Richard and wife Belinda] are still in Kaikohe though," he said.

"Everyone will definitely be getting up for the big one. We've been catching all the matches so far."

Portia has revelled in the competition, scoring 13 tries including eight against Hong Kong and four against USA.

She will be lining up on that left wing again hoping to utilise her power, size and speed to poke holes in the England defence.

Richard said Portia loved to stay in the thick of the action on the park.

"She's been doing whatever she can do. It's always difficult for her to stay out wide on the wing," he said.

"She loves to get involved in the plays. We've all been really impressed with her performances so far."

Richard is confident in his prediction of a Kiwi victory.

He said they try to bring Portia to Northland as often as she can but her career can make it tough from time to time.

"We've been trying to get her up north whenever she's available but she's always so busy. She's just a fantastic person," she said.

"Whenever she does come up she's going around to the primary and high schools to spend time with the kids. But she's been pretty full-on with her rugby."

The finale of the tournament kicks off at 6:45am NZ time and Richard said there were a lot of people backing the Black Ferns and Portia to seal the deal.

"She's got a multitude of supporters for her from her home area in the north," he said.

"Plenty of people backing her from Kaikohe and the Bay of Islands and we hope she can bring home the trophy."