Black Fern: This one’s for the girls who got knocked out

“They were the team that knocked the Black Ferns out of the 2014 World Cup so I know we’ll take this game personally.  
“We’re able to play for that team who got knocked out.
“We want to introduce ourselves to them; let them know the Black Ferns are here to make a statement.”
Those are the words of young Black Fern Liana Mikaele-Tu’u ahead of an important resetting test for New Zealand against Ireland on Monday morning, NZT.
On August 5, 2014, Ireland had stunned the Black Ferns 17-14 in Marcoussis, France, to end the Black Ferns’ 20-match Rugby World Cup winning streak. A later draw between eventual finalists England and Canada meant the Black Ferns were knocked out before the semi-finals.
Ireland was in the midst of a golden era winning their only Six Nations titles in 2013 and 2015. Still, it was unfathomable that the Black Ferns would surrender the World Cup they’d held since 1998.
Frankly, it would be unfathomable if the Black Ferns were to lose to Ireland again in their opening WXV 1 clash in Vancouver on Monday.
Ireland, winners of 83 of 203 internationals, has struggled to recapture the lofty heights of a decade ago. 
The world’s seventh-ranked country did recently overpower sixth-placed Australia 36-10, but Ireland’s results were average in the Six Nations. Wins against Wales (36-5) and Scotland (15-12) were offset by heavy defeats to France (17-38), Italy (21-27), and England (10-88).
The Black Ferns have been similarly ropey in 2024. Sandwiched between the demolition jobs of Australia and the USA was an embarrassing loss to Canada.
A fortnight ago, the Black Ferns were tamed 24-12 by world number one England, a second defeat to the Red Roses in 10 months. The visitors had tumbled to a 24-0 deficit after 42 minutes.
“Going in at halftime the score didn’t feel like what the game showed. It was a bit of a wired feeling in the changing room; positive and tight, but not a good start for us,” loose forward Mikaele-Tu’u tells LockerRoom.
“I don’t notice much of a difference with England. They were physical and their backs very quick but I was more prepared this time.”
Were the Black Ferns better than their November 33-12 defeat to England in Auckland?
Black Ferns assistant coach Tony Christie: “We had some opportunities that we didn’t take, especially early on, so for us. Our ability to get the ball to space quicker and more accurately is important.
“Defensively, happy with our physicality but we let them off the hook with some misreads and individual tackles. Small margins for us.”
England coach John Mitchell complained: “When you’ve got the foot on the throat, finish it. New Zealand will continue to play the way they do, it’s in their DNA. We knew that was going to come so we gave them some possession and we gave them some soft tries as well. All our own doing, which is good because the last World Cup we went to, we didn’t get these kinds of lessons this time of year. It’s really good for us.”
Mikaele-Tu’u (22) has played more games for the Black Ferns (23) than Auckland (16). She was punchy and urgent at Twickenham, but still acutely aware of some naivety.
“One of the biggest things I’m realising is that I’m not that young, fresh player anymore. I have a role in this team: to play my own game and by doing that I can naturally influence others.”
In 2023, she was awarded Black Ferns player of the year. In the last dozen tests, she’s only been replaced three times. She also won a Farah Palmer Cup Premiership with Auckland and a Super Rugby Aupiki crown with the Blues scoring the winning try in the 24-18 conquering of Chiefs Manawa.
“It’s an honour to be seen by the coaches in that way but those accolades aren’t something I chase.
 “I really enjoyed my rugby last year, learning a lot about myself and grateful for the time and resources I never had growing up.”
The Black Ferns insist they’re learning and growing. Better shaping of the opposition to create space, eliminating clumsy errors, and kicking with intent to create pressure rather than relieve it will help honour those who fell to Ireland in 2014 without the same benefits of professionalism.