The Black Ferns meet England in a rematch of their stunning clash in last year's rugby world final. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
No time to reflect on World Cup glory but a year of growth has the Blacks Ferns in a good frame as they prepare to take on England.
Saturday's WXV1 decider in Auckland is a rematch of last year's epic World Cup final in the same city.
Co-captain Ruahei Demant said England are just as formidable as they were a year ago but the Ferns have made great strides since.
"We haven't really looked back to when we played them last year, I guess the only thing that we have focused on is they were a quality side then and they are still a quality side now. We've looked inward and really asked the question, how can we as individuals and as a team be in the best position possible to combat what they are going to throw us."
Demant said in their second year as professionals, the Ferns are stronger, fitter and faster.
"I think the biggest area of progress was our ability to be conditioned for professional sport, the growth has been unmatched, the team being even better resourced and the hard work that Bunts (coach Allan Bunting) has put into making sure that the coaches and support staff around the players have really added value."
She said there is a strong sense of continuity building within the squad.
"There's a lot of intention when we review footage and attend meetings, I guess in some ways it's kind of stink that it's our last game of the season because I wish we had more opportunities to keep building and keep growing."
The Black ferns piped England in an absolute thriller in last years Rugby World Cup final. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
The Black Ferns will take the inaugural WXV1 title if they win and deny England a bonus point.
With four teams still vying for the crown, Ferns hooker Georgia Ponsonby said they will look to chance their arm with ball in hand.
"The pressure was put on us to finish those plays and we need to continue to be disciplined, know when to take it up front but also have confidence in to ourselves, pull trigger and still continue to play with freedom when it's the right time."
She said over the course of the tournament, the side has greater clarity on when to implement some razzle dazzle.
"We're starting to learn from our plays and understanding when we hold on to it, when to offload and when we need to just go hard into the into the carry."
The primary weapon for the English is of course the rolling maul, from which they scored four tries against Canada last weekend.
"It's no secret what we anticipate what they will do 10 metres out from the tryline, but I think we have the skillset and the structure to stop that," Ponsonby said.
