If New Zealand Rugby are successful in their bid to host the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup, this weekend's fixture between the Black Ferns and Wallaroos at Eden Park could play a vital role.
New Zealand's is one of six bids for the rights to host the 2021 tournament, alongsideAustralia, England, France, Portugal and Wales. Knowing the Eden Park fixture – which is the first match of a double-header with the respective men's sides – has sold out, Black Ferns vice-captain Kendra Cocksedge said there was "no doubt" World Rugby would be keeping a keen eye on the turnout.
"We want people to get down there earlier because those types of things will help with us being able to host the next World Cup," Cocksedge said.
"The more we get down there nice and early, it looks good for New Zealand Rugby and obviously that's what we want in the future – to host that World Cup."
The world No.1 Black Ferns won the first encounter against the Wallaroos last weekend in Sydney by a flattering 31-11 scoreline. The Australian side impressed with their defence throughout the contest, but a hat-trick to Black Ferns captain Fiao'o Fa'amausili – all from lineout drives – pushed the margin out considerably.
Cocksedge admitted she was surprised by the challenge the Wallaroos presented her side last week, but noted the Black Ferns were unable to take advantage of a number of opportunities.
Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore said the performance of the Wallaroos, who are ranked sixth in the world, was a clear sign the women's game was on the rise and forced his side to play a different brand of football; attacking through the middle rather than out wide.
"I think you've got to look at what's happening globally. I think everyone's got better and they're looking at way of putting a lot of pressure on us and we anticipated there would be pressure.
"We were pleased that we had another avenue that we could go to ... we reverted to that other part the other day because that was what was presented to us and I thought we executed that pretty well."
