There will be some friendly fire when Black Ferns lock Maia Roos packs down against her former team-mate Kate Williams when they face Wales at Forsyth Barr Stadium this afternoon.
Both players have been driving forces in their sides’ second row and played together for the Blues - Williams was born in Wales, but grew up in Auckland - in the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki season.
There had been no messages or friendly banter exchanged throughout the week, but there could be a few jabs on the field.
"We can’t wait to play each other," Roos said.
"We’ll have a little go at each other on the field. We stayed at the same hotel last week, so we saw each other. It was cool to catch up."
The Black Ferns are looking to be more clinical today and record their first WXV 1 victory, after losing 18-17 to France last weekend.
Speaking at the captains’ run at Logan Park yesterday, Roos said the focus had been on themselves this week, tidying up their errors - "our physicality, our finishing and I guess just how we can play together and play the best of our strengths".
They also spoke about their teams’ first clash in Dunedin since 1997 - Roos was born four years later - and the atmosphere playing under the roof would bring.
"I’ve heard it gets pretty rowdy in there.
"We’re looking forward to seeing our fans in there and hearing our 16th person on the field."
Black Ferns assistant coach Tony Christie echoed Roos, saying the stadium almost suited their brand of rugby.
"Our girls are fizzing for being able to play that wide, expansive style without the conditions that can sometimes be brought down here," Christie said.
They had tweaked their training throughout the week in preparations for Wales.
Wales had a strong set piece, their forwards were tight ball carriers and had a solid kicking game, which the Black Ferns were ready for.
"We’ve got some plans in place how we look to counter their kicking game, but also some game management around us.
"We need to be better from last week [when we] played a lot in our own half."
They were looking to get the balance right "between the Black Ferns’ DNA of playing attacking rugby, but just making sure we do it at the right times".
• The Black Ferns play Wales at 4pm today, to be followed by the Wallaroos v France clash at 7pm.
