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Key events
12 mins: HELD UP! What fantastic defence from New Zealand! Ruby Tui makes a monster tackle over the line on the Aussie ball carrier. But Australia come again from the drop kick restart.
10 mins: Australia hammering at the door but New Zealand refusing to let them in. Williams involved, Rule with a pick and go as well. Outstanding defence from New Zealand, I felt for sure that Australia had found a hole. But no, it’s an impenetrable black wall. New Zealand knock on so it’s a scrum 5m out for Australia on the left.
8 mins: A penalty for Australia. A no-arms tackle and tackler not rolling away, take your pick. It’s all from the back of a rolling maul from clean ball off the line-out. Australia keep it tight but Williams is involved as well. She’s having a great game so far.
Aussies go to the line again. 5m out.
6 mins: Aussie line-out 5m out thanks to some brilliant hustle on defence, chasing the kick and putting the Black Fern under pressure near the line in the corner. Big opportunity.
5 mins: Sarah Hirini knocks on just as her team was building momentum with short pick up and gos. Aussies scrambled well and get the ball back in their own 22.
3 min: McKenzie kicks off and Australia win a scrum after a New Zealand error. It’s a minor detail, but you know what, momentum is a tricky fish and that will give the Wallaroos and early shot in the arm.
The ball comes out the back cleanly and Williams at first receiver has two strong carries.
The ball goes left and the forwards get their hands on it but Luka Connor makes a great steal on the ground for the Black Ferns.
The Wallaroos advance on the Haka, shoulder to shoulder, accepting the challenge. I was only slightly cynical about the prematch ritual a few weeks back, but I’ve got to admit, it’s such a vibe!
Goosebumps! Honestly, that was incredibly moving. What a rendition of God Defend New Zealand/Aotearoa and Advance Australia Fair.
You only had to look at the tears streaming down cheeks and the beaming smiles to know how significant this is. Loved that! Absolutely loved that.
Now for the Haka.
FYI, the Wallaroos have NEVER beaten the Black Ferns!
They’re in for a big ol’ task here in front of a record crowd. The set piece will be crucial. If they can keep it loose and fast they’re in with a shout.
Time for one more read before kick-off? Go on then. This one from Rob Kitson shows that it’s not just the players on the brink of something special. This is a massive moment for everyone involved in the women’s game.
Rita Ora is on screen! So get to one!
You said it, Kendra.
Of course, it’s a big moment for Australia, too. I spoke to coach Jay Tregonning and their skipper, Shannon Parry, about the challenges they face while staying upbeat in this new golden age of women’s rugby.
Not long to go now. While you wait, get stuck into this ripper from Tess on what this World Cup means to New Zealand.
England rout Fiji by a score of 84-19. Brutal from the favourites, though they were made to sweat.
Wallaroos name strongest possible outfit
If there’s one area of the park where Australia have parity with their professional opponents, it’s in the back row. Skipper Shannon Parry leads a formidable trio with Emil Chancellor on the opposite flank and Grace Hamilton packing down at No 8.
Can they secure enough ball for Arabella McKenzie? They’ll need to. And hope that their backs can make the most of their opportunities.
Black Ferns name powerhouse line-up
It’s hard to find too many faults in this one, so I’m not going to nit pick. Instead, let’s all get super chuffed for Ruby Tui who is an absolute gem whose interview with the BBC last year converted countless people to women’s rugby.
If you’re looking for some meatier analysis, Portia Woodman on the win should be in business tonight and Sarah Hirini will arguably have the toughest assignment keeping the Aussie back row in check.
Preamble
Folks, this is it. After five transformative years, women’s rugby union is about to go somewhere it has never gone before. Eden Park has sold out. 50,000 people will set a new attendance record as New Zealand’s Black Ferns take on Australia’s Wallaroos. This is going to be thrilling!
Welcome to the live blog. My name is Daniel and I am buzzing. Of course it’s not exactly the curtain raiser. France and England both got off to winning starts but were made to work for their victories by South Africa and Fiji, respectively. I don’t anticipate an upset here, after all, it’s a team of pros versus a team of amateurs. Still, the Wallaroos will throw themselves into this with gusto and it should be a cracking contest.
Kick off is at 7:15pm local time/5:15 AEST/7:15am in the UK.
Wherever you are in the world I say nau mai haere mai. Thank you for joining me. Drop me an email or a tweet if you fancy.
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