More info about the WXV:
It looks like Fijiana will get a spot in XV2, although they probably will have to qualify for it in an Oceania tournament first. South Africa will probably get the African spot in this group and Japan the Asian one.
Samoa (most likely) or Tonga will probably have to compete for a spot in XV3. Kenya for the African spot?
So looking like only one (possible) home game this year.
Terrible planning by NZR when the impetus is here and now
Given the long gap between Aupiki and tests it will be interesting to see who hangs around.
Quite a few players have been lining up stints in Japan or Oz to earn some $.
Not sure what the NZR contract period was either and when renewals will be looked at.
From Stuff:
The Black Ferns will take on the Wallaroos in Brisbane on June 29 and face them again in New Zealand on September 30 in the annual battle for the O’Reilly Cup.
New Zealand Rugby announced on Thursday some details around what the world champions’ test schedule will be for 2023, although there is still plenty of it to be confirmed, including where the trans- Ta$man test in New Zealand will be held.
@Stargazer All grounds would be available as the last football game (at Eden Park) is on 15 Aug.
@Stargazer said in Black Ferns 2023:
@Bovidae Okay, so no excuses for not allocating this game to Wellington, Napier*, Christchurch or Nelson, for example (Dunedin already gets enough ABs tests).
*If Napier is an option after the flooding, not knowing what the conditions will be like by that time.
It will be OK, it's not cricket afterall!
@Stargazer said in Black Ferns 2023:
@Bovidae Okay, so no excuses for not allocating this game to Wellington, Napier*, Christchurch or Nelson, for example (Dunedin already gets enough ABs tests).
*If Napier is an option after the flooding, not knowing what the conditions will be like by that time.
Christchurch had the Laurie game last year so scratch them.
If they had smarts it would go somewhere like Welly given the huge turnout on their tour to show off the cup. Something to build on and a big enough population centre to get a crowd. Also easier for travel.
Sep 30 will be in the middle of the RWC window so the only domestic rugby will be NPC. NZR will need to work around that schedule.
@Stargazer Are you telling me the hotel/motel sector in HB will not be able to cope with three or four hundred spectators travelling for greater than a one day return driving distance away?
@Higgins said in Black Ferns 2023:
@Stargazer Are you telling me the hotel/motel sector in HB will not be able to cope with three or four hundred spectators travelling for greater than a one day return driving distance away?
Quite possibly not. How much is in use as temporary accommodation for displaced people already?
7 days later
Revelation of the final, Demant ran the ball near the end of the game because Cocksedge call her to. Almost screwed up the whole final
One thing I noticed in the endless replays we have had of that last lineout is the unheralded work from Krystal Murray. Ngan Woo gets the steal but it’s Murray that then holds back the drive to try and push into touch. There was still seconds on the clock at that stage and another lineout was a possibility.
Her effort to push back was huge.
@Crucial said in Black Ferns 2023:
One thing I noticed in the endless replays we have had of that last lineout is the unheralded work from Krystal Murray. Ngan Woo gets the steal but it’s Murray that then holds back the drive to try and push into touch. There was still seconds on the clock at that stage and another lineout was a possibility.
Her effort to push back was huge.
She had a big impact off the bench
19 days later
I'm not surprised, especially after Clarke was named as a NZ U20 assistant coach yesterday.
@Bovidae said in Black Ferns 2023:
I'm not surprised, especially after Clarke was named as a NZ U20 assistant coach yesterday.
Good to know there's no nepotism in the women's coaching selection ...
How much do we think Bunting will change the squads? He has the odd situation of seeing Aupiki then players go back to club followed by FPC.
Untimely injuries may play a part but there were a number of players not involved in the RWC that stood out in Aupiki.
Front rows are fairly settled and it was good to see some improve.
I don't think Demant played well in Aupiki but a second captain change (especially to POTY) would be a big call.
Obviously some 7s players leave gaps to be filled as well.
Will have a crack at a squad or contract list when I have a moment.
