Current World Ranking: 3rd
Best Rugby World Cup result: Champions (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2017, 2021)
With six Women’s Rugby World Cup titles to their name, the Black Ferns will be looking to demonstrate their attacking flair, expansive play and impressive skillset on the global stage once again.
New Zealand became the first host nation to win a women’s Rugby World Cup as they beat England 34-31 at a sold-out Eden Park during the Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022).
Bolstered by a number of Olympic Sevens players, the side were able to utilise their attacking prowess throughout the competition. Ruby Tui, Sarah Hirini, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Fitzpatrick and Stacey Fluhler each played a huge part in the Black Ferns’ success and their return to 15s was aided by a familiar face in their former sevens coach Allan Bunting.
Woodman-Wickliffe, on her way to becoming the top try-scorer in Rugby World Cup history, scored a hat-trick in their opening RWC 2021 match against Australia to help the Black Ferns recover from going 17-0 behind to win 41-17.
Tui also touched down twice at a packed Eden Park and crossed the whitewash in each of her subsequent appearances before the final, including a pivotal score in the nail-biting semi-final defeat of France.
Last year’s inaugural WXV 1 competition saw the Black Ferns compete on home territory, however, the side struggled to maintain their previous form and suffered a 17-18 defeat to France in the opening round. A relentless performance from the Black Ferns the following week saw the side return to winning ways, recording a 70-7 victory against Wales. The hosts had to settle for a disappointing fourth place finish in the tournament overall, after the Red Roses ran in five tries to beat New Zealand 33-12 and avenge their Women's Rugby World Cup 2021 final defeat to the same opponents.
