Rugby World Cup 2021 Preview

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The time has come. After a year’s delay due to Covid, 12 teams are here and ready to go; Rugby World Cup 2021 kicks off with a triple header at Eden Park this Saturday. Aiden McLaughlin caught up with Spark Sport’s tournament host Scotty Stevenson to get his thoughts and predictions for the next five weeks.

What does hosting RWC 2021 mean for past and present Black Ferns and for Aotearoa?

It’s been incredible to feel the buzz growing around this tournament. I know from speaking to a small group of former Ferns how low key proud they are to have played a part in getting to this point. Having this tournament in New Zealand is so long overdue. There will be enormous support for the current team from those who have gone before them. It’s special for this Black Ferns side to be playing in front of their people.

What legacy should this tournament leave?

I’m not sure, but hopefully it extinguishes some of the more antiquated views around women’s rugby and sport in general.

It’s been a challenging year for the Black Ferns environment, how are they shaping up entering the tournament?

I think this Black Ferns team is prepared to surprise. To me it looks as if most of the work has been done in fitness and in rediscovering the style of rugby that suits New Zealand’s athletes. There will be a lot of passing in contact, continuity play, support running and they’ll want to do everything at a million miles an hour. We have seen this game plan built in real time through the Pacific Four series, the Laurie O’Reilly series and the one-off test against Japan. They believe in the plan which is a great way to be heading into the tournament.

Who are your five players to watch at the tournament?

Laure Sansus – The French halfback is an absolute weapon. Triple threat. Scores tries for fun and sets plenty up.
Amy Cokayne – The English hooker with the kiwi connection has become one of the best ever for England.
Joanah Ngan-Woo – The Black Ferns lock has delivered all season long and expect her to be a huge part of New Zealand’s success
Lotte Clapp – A club centurion with Harlequins, Clapp’s experience will be vital if the USA are to make it through pool play.
Amy du Plessis – Could be a career defining tournament for the Black Ferns midfielder. She has super star written all over her game.

What are the key games in the pool stages?

Pool A: Australia v Scotland and Scotland v Wales.
Pool B: USA v Italy and Canada v Italy
Pool C: England v France and Fiji v South Africa.

Who meets in the final at Eden Park on November 12 and who wins?

If New Zealand qualify top from Pool A and England win Pool C then New Zealand will likely have to go through France in the semi-final en route to a date with England. That would be a tough couple of weeks for the home side. I think England are going to be there. New Zealand could very well be too if they get their game going early. Tough call but I’ll sit on the fence and say either France or New Zealand.

If you had one wish for this tournament, what would it be and why?

I’ve pretty much got my wish: a sold out Eden Park for opening day, that is great. And justified. And I hope that spirit grows right through the tournament.