women
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Life as head coach of the Black Ferns has been uneventful so far for Whitney Hansen, who remains unbeaten in the role following their 28-14 triumph over France in Lyon.
Blues loose forward Liana Mikaele-Tu’u featured for Hansen’s side, while Mererangi Paul, Mia Anderson and Justine McGregor also switched during the Black Ferns’ win.
Hansen will have to prepare his side for another Test match without their inspirational skipper, Ruahei Demant, who continues to miss time with a calf injury.
The experienced playmaker came into their historic meeting with the Springboks Women in Soweto last weekend, before picking up a calf injury which would have ruled the 31-year-old out of their WXV games against France, Scotland and England.
Hannah King started the France Test in the No.10 jersey, making up for the Springboks match a week earlier, while Maia Joseph, daughter of Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph, has started the last three Tests at fullback.
Hansen, reflecting on the win on Weekend Sport with Jason Pine on Newstalk ZB, reflected on how the team was adjusting to life without Demanto’s experience.
“Yes, she (Demant) is really influential for us. I mean as a driver of the game, but also as a person in the group,” said Hansen after the match.
“We recognized at the beginning of this year that we had to develop some other leadership around that, and we couldn’t rely on that. And South Africa, ironically, was an example of that.”
“What we wanted to do was make sure Kingy could come out if we were faced with times like this. So it was great timing. But I think one of the really special things about Ruahei is that I immediately thought, look, this is the plan, and then she immediately went, how great is this team and how can I help them?”
“And that’s a question I get asked a lot by somebody who gets elected, and that’s a pretty special thing about this space. So there’s still a tremendous belief that she brings and instills in the group as a leader, even though she’s not on the field.”
“And I think today was such a great opportunity to get those minutes for Hannah to drive the team for us, and have that ability to lead us as a team.”
Hansen is excited about the opportunity to travel to the northern hemisphere to play against France, Scotland and England, especially given the challenges they have already faced.
“Yes, as well as just our list for this year, for which we are very grateful New Zealand The business of rugby, (it was) really difficult for us to win those games, and I think it’s the same with that French test at the end of the year that we had.
“So they’re really excited about it. The way we’re playing it and what we’re doing in terms of consistency, we’ve definitely kind of led to that, and we’re going to keep that going England Test.
The Black Ferns head coach is highlighting this weekend’s Test match against Scotland, at the Hive in Edinburgh, as an opportunity to build more depth.
“And I think it is Scotland the game gives us a really great opportunity to potentially give some minutes to those who haven’t had a lot while still maintaining that consistency.
“So we’re still working out exactly what that looks like. But yeah, I think it’ll be exciting to see some new blood get a chance next weekend as well.”
