On Wednesday at Twickenham (now Allianz Stadium, if we’re being technically correct), Marlie Packer and Kennedy Tukuafu chatted happily like long-lost friends.
The pair were cooperative and friendly and acted as if their conversation was the most natural thing in the world. As they spoke, one had to remember that just three days later they would be hammering away at the highest level of women’s rugby.
On Saturday, England captain Packer and her New Zealand counterpart Tukuafu (née Simon) will lead their respective teams into a highly anticipated clash.
Their decision to partner to help promote the match earlier this week demonstrated that women’s rugby continues to lead the way in its quest to grow in a sporting, commercial and marketing sense.
It is hard to imagine such a situation occurring in men’s rugby at the moment, although things are likely to change. This reporter believes that women’s rugby remains the main avenue for growth ahead of next year’s World Cup on English soil.
England, led by Marlie Packer (pictured), and New Zealand teamed up to grow women’s football
Packer chatted happily with his counterpart Kennedy Simon (also pictured)
The duo pose for a selfie at Twickenham as they team up in a bid to grow women’s rugby.
“The idea of us two captains coming together is to grow the women’s game,” Packer said. “That’s what we all want. We want to fill seats and attract fans from all over the world. It’s been really good. We’ve both said to each other that we’ve enjoyed it.”
‘On match days you always greet the captain of the opposing team, but because of the rivalry you don’t talk too much. This has allowed us to chat a bit.
‘I can’t believe Kennedy got married last Sunday! We talked about how important funding and resources are. It was nice.
“This game will be physical and fast-paced. Technically it’s a pre-season friendly, but no England-New Zealand friendly is.”
The Packers’ England side have not lost since their 2022 defeat to the Black Ferns in the last World Cup final. That match saw a record attendance for a women’s game of 42,579.
A similar match is expected at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, which will be the first game at the home of English rugby since the RFU confirmed its new stadium naming rights deal. The game will pit the world’s number one team against the reigning world champions.
Both teams will meet in a highly anticipated clash at Twickenham.
England have not lost since their 2022 defeat to the Black Ferns in the last World Cup final.
The two teams are likely to meet again on the same stage in next year’s World Cup final, with England being the heavy favourites for that tournament.
The RFU are hoping to fill their stadium for the final, one in which, realistically, the Black Ferns are the only team capable of beating them.
However, there remains a sense that a defeat for the Red Roses at some point before then could be a good thing for them in the long run. The fact that England are now managed by a New Zealander, former All Blacks coach John Mitchell, also adds an edge for upcoming and future encounters.
In the last meeting between the two teams, England defeated the Black Ferns 33-12 in Auckland to win the inaugural WXV 1 trophy last November.
“The rivalry is strong. There is a lot of history between our two teams,” said Tukuatu, whose team prepared to face England by meeting (and hugging) King Charles at Buckingham Palace in a video that went viral on social media.
“For me it was quite normal, but not for the King,” said Ayesha Leti-l’iga of Black Fern. “If anything, I felt like he (the King) needed the hug more than I did, but I didn’t see his reaction until I saw the footage. It was a wonderful hug and very endearing. We were in awe. It was an amazing experience.”
Tukuatu added: “Despite the rivalry between England and New Zealand, we both want to see women’s football grow. We can do this kind of publicity, which I admit is unique, and still be ready for the fight.”
“As women’s rugby becomes more and more resourced, it is only getting better. I feel hugely privileged to be part of this era of women’s rugby.
New Zealand prepared for the match by meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace
The rivalry remains strong, but both countries have teamed up to promote the match.
“The women who came before us paved the way for us to now be able to receive things like free equipment and travel the world. It’s amazing to be a part of these games.
“It’s just epic. In previous years the Black Ferns only had one Test a year. England are a great team and have proven that time and time again. But our history is strong too.
‘We will find a way.’