Ferns relishing challenge of playing world No 1

The Black Ferns have reached their base camp.

Now they need to tackle their Everest.

The Black Ferns are preparing for their biggest challenge of WXV when they take on England in the final game in Auckland on Saturday.

It is a highly anticipated rematch of the World Cup final last year, when the Black Ferns came from behind to win 34-31.

The Black Ferns head into the clash after demolishing Wales 70-7 in Dunedin, bouncing back from a 18-17 loss to France the week before.

England, meanwhile, dispatched the Wallaroos 42-7 and Canada 45-12, and looked in control the entire time.

Black Ferns winger Ruby Tui knows how lethal the Red Roses are, and has been keeping a keen eye on them throughout the season.

"Mate, have I paid much attention to them? They’re the world No 1," Tui said.

"We know how good England can be. We saw it [against Australia].

"They were down to 14 and they were still getting bloody meat pies, so we know England are the benchmark at the moment."

The Red Roses’ rolling maul featured heavily in last year’s final, as well as in last week’s clash in which hooker Lark Atkin-Davies scored four tries from the set piece.

That will be a key focus for the Black Ferns through their preparations.

But rather than worrying about what was to come, Tui flipped her perspective, paying tribute to the Roses and what they were doing for the women’s game.

"They’re our main competition, 100%. I think they’re the whole world’s competition.

"To play the world No 1 in your home country ... what an honour we get to have a jab."

Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant said there was excitement among the squad to test themselves against the Red Roses in their only encounter this year.

She wanted the group to finish the inaugural WXV 1 strongly and end the year with a win.

"It’s been an awesome year for a lot of growth," Demant said.

"We’ve found a way through a lot of things. It would be nice to finish well."

England captain Marlie Packer said her side was completely different from last year’s World Cup final and they were not after revenge in the rematch.

"Now we go and play New Zealand in their own backyard. We need to back up the last two performances with a big performance," Packer said.

‘‘I don’t think revenge is a thing. We’re going out there to play rugby and enjoy it."

Asked if she believed Packer, and England, were not out for revenge, Demant simply shook her head.

kayla.hodge@odt.co.nz