Rugby: Winning record motivates Black Ferns

The world champion Black Ferns women's rugby side are looking to their maintain their record ahead of tomorrow's first test with England at Rotorua.

The Kiwis have not lost an international match since their World Cup semifinal defeat to the United States in 1991, going an incredible 26 matches without defeat.

Included in that are wins over England in 1997 (67-0), 1998 (44-11) and 2000 (32-13).

Skipper Farah Palmer acknowledged the record could be used for motivation heading into the clash.

"No-one wants to be a member of the first Black Ferns team to lose since 1991," Palmer said. "That's motivation in itself.

Palmer, who has skippered the side for the past four years, said it was the realistic fear of losing that ensured motivation would not be missing.

But Palmer, who has been at the helm of the Black Ferns for five years, said the side also thrived on competition.

"We love having competitive games - it makes us play better and desire the win more," she said.

"We just have to put into practice all the skills that we have and leave nothing to chance. We do have to absorb pressure because I believe the English at times will try to dominate."

Bay of Plenty flyer Tamaku Paul, who missed a place in the initial squad, was yesterday called in and bracketed on the bench with Counties' Sandie Yates who is under an injury cloud.

Black Ferns coach Darryl Suasua said his side had achieved a lot since coming together on Tuesday.

"You always want more time before a test but I'm happy that we've achieved a lot so far this week.

"We've now got patterns in place and we've done a lot of work on the tactical side of things. Now we've just got to add some polish."

Meanwhile, English coach Geoff Richards said there was no pressure on his side going into tomorrow's clash.

"After all, we are expected to lose," Richards quipped. "It (the record of the two teams) is probably playing on their (the Black Ferns) mind more than ours.

"We are underdogs, they are the world champions. Every win they have they are closer to a loss which will happen at some stage down the track," Richards said.

The English coach has made just one change to his side from the team which beat Australia 15-5 in the second test last month.

Second-five Selina Rudge comes back into the line-up after receiving a two-match suspension for a dangerous tackle in England's first test 41-19 win.

Richards said defence would be a key for his side in the game. "We've got experience across the board really and I'm looking for a team effort.

"This is an important stepping stone for us to the World Cup and it's a gauge to see how we are coming on compared to the Ferns."

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)