RWC Reaction Roundtable: Young Kiwis Inspired by the Black Ferns.
The final whistle may have blown a week ago, but we’re not forgetting the 2021 Rugby World Cup final anytime soon. With lotsa line breaks, marvellous mauls, and that glorious grubber, we were out of our seats more than we were in them! Watching the highlights back to hear the haka, soak up the smiles, and study the textbook tries all over again, still manages to give us goosebumps. The Black Ferns’ 34-31 win over England was watched by a sold-out Eden Park and over 1.3 million at home, so it is no surprise that the match has dominated each and every convo this week.
Billie’s Assistant Editor Ruby was lucky enough to sit amongst Saturday’s roaring Eden Park crowd, and was nestled into the sea of people at Auckland’s Te Komititanga Square for the post-match celebrations. In an attempt to bottle up the weekend’s energy, she chatted to Billie readers, superfans down at the square on Sunday, and even wee lads who tuned in, to compile all their thoughts on the match.
Readers react.
Unlike an All Blacks’ World Cup final, which is expected and respected by all each time it comes around, the Black Ferns’ World Cup final had something to prove. With a record number of newfound fans watching on, the favourites as opposition, and doubters of the women’s game lurking in the background, the Black Ferns were tasked with proving to Kiwi girls that rugby can be their sport too.
According to some of Billie’s readers, they did just that:
Millie (18, Feilding):
"There was always this stigma around our ability, comments like, "watching girls play rugby is like watching grass grow."
Now it's, "Did you see Portia Woodman score that epic try?"
It's refreshing not having to dignify your game to everyone. For the girls to be held to the same degree as the boys. I've noticed a massive push from everyone involved in the game and it's been awesome to see this result in a sold out Eden Park."
Lily (22, Hong Kong):
“I think it’s fair to say that the win made me proud to be a Kiwi. Despite living away from NZ for the last 10 years I’m still a patriotic kiwi and I was very proud of the team. Despite rugby normally being perceived as a boy’s sport I think the team displayed that it can be a sport that people can excel in regardless of their gender.”
Grace (11, Hawke’s Bay):
“The Black Ferns’ win showed me that girls can do anything. I love how they always look so happy when they play and it was sooo cool when Ruby Tui sang Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi with the crowd at the end! They showed us that even if you are losing, it can always turn around in the last five minutes.”
Boys give their two cents worth.
To grow the presence, funding, and support of the women’s game in Aotearoa, it is important that our dads, uncles, grandfathers - and even pesky little brothers - become proud Black Ferns fans too. It was wonderful to see that our usually All Blacks-obsessed, younger cousins and brothers tuned in to the telly or were bouncing around at Eden Park on Saturday night.
While they’re a little more analytical and don’t quite have the gift of the gab of the girls, the boys were quietly proud of the performance of our wāhine toa on the field (even those with the whistles):
Tom (13, Hawke’s Bay): “The final lineout of the game was a nervous but brilliant moment for the entire country. The referees were great throughout the game, because the yellow and red cards were dealt with perfectly.”
Arki (14, Hawke’s Bay): “The last try was pretty mint!”
Superfan squeals at the square.
Saturday night’s spectacle flowed into Sunday, with festivities for fans and players alike held at Auckland’s Te Komititanga Square. What was reported as a crowd of around a thousand, felt like a crowd ten times that size. There were cheers, tears, and grins galore. When it came time for the Black Ferns to interact with the crowd, it was hard to hear anything other than a choir of names, “Ruby!” “Portia!” “Stacey!”
The reflections of Sunday’s superfans echoed those of our readers, with #girlpower being supercharged throughout the nation:
Nicole (Auckland):
“The Black Ferns winning the RWC means a lot, especially as a young woman. I feel like it is very inspiring for the younger female generation and all women in sport. I’m full of emotion and super joyful to be down here today.”
Tayla (Auckland):
“It’s amazing to have watched the Black Ferns win the RWC. It’s inspired all us young girls to keep pursuing our dreams and play sports. It helped remind me that women can do anything.”
Briana (Auckland):
“I’ve always wanted to see the Black Ferns play and having the RWC in NZ gave me the opportunity to see them play many games across Auckland and Northland. The atmosphere was unreal - a lot better than what I’ve experienced at basketball and netball games.”
Ruby (Hawke’s Bay):
“I just met Ruby Tui which was really cool. She’s always so cool, calm, and collected, even with the whole crowd screaming her name. I’ve read her book and she’s definitely been through a lot but she’s overcome it. Her and the other players have shown how you can do anything you dream to do, when you work hard, break the mould, and be who you want to be.”
What next?
While we’ll never not be stoked for the Black Fern’s epic win at the 2021 RWC, the work to make sure women’s leagues in male-dominated sports are valued, does not stop now. Each and every one of us can keep the momentum going, by playing our part.
Here are some ways to uplift women’s sport:
Follow female athletes on Instagram and TikTok
Make an effort to watch games in-person, on TV, or even afterwards via YouTube highlights.
Pick up a ball, bat, or pair of boots and give a new sport a go.
