Ayesha Leti-I'iga of the Black Ferns celebrates her try during the womens rugby match, New Zealand Black Ferns v Canada at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch. Photo: Photosport
Expect the shackles to come off the Black Ferns this Saturday.
With points differential set to decide the fate of the Pacific Four title, a throwing caution to the wind approach will likely be adopted against the USA at Albany, as New Zealand look to reclaim the crown they lost in 2024.
Coach Steve Jackson said he will encourage fear-less footy from the Ferns.
"That's in our DNA, isn't it? To run the ball and see the opportunities that arise and look what's in front of us and play. Obviously there's a game that goes before us and we'll know where we need us to sit and what we need to do. But look, if we can do the little things right and do the simple things right, then those points will come."
But as seen on Saturday, the tactic can have ramifications, with Portia Woodman attempting to run the ball out from her dead ball line, only for Canada to win the turnover and ultimately score.
However Jackson said it was important that they did not discourage the natural flair of their players.
"We always encourage that first and foremost. We don't want to coach that sort of rugby out of them. We want them to play. We want Portia to do that because when she does that, it lifts the team. But we've just got to be smart at times around after someone does something like that."
He said there has been a palpable energy in the squad this week.
Claire Gallagher of Canada is tackled by Ayesha Leti-I'iga of the Black Ferns. Photo: Photosport
"The way the girls are training, you would've thought that we lost. So that's a good thing to have and there's a bit of fire in their belly this week. There is not only a point to prove, but there's points to prove within the squad when you get an opportunity, you've got to take it because selections obviously heading into a World Cup."
Jackson hinted at wider squad members getting a run against the States.
"We're looking at trying to give everybody some game time throughout the squad because it's really important because after this, we've only got two games before we head into the World Cup. So there'll be people that will probably get a little bit of an opportunity."
Among those to get a shot at re-establishing herself is Chelsea Bremner, recalled following an injury to Dhys Faleafaga after she was left out of the first squad of the year.
"It was obviously really tough not getting named, but there's a huge amount of depth and lots of competition within positions now, which I think is why we're so good, everyone's pushing each other to be better."
Bremner said the side has already shown significant improvement, as they slowly build towards their pinnacle event in England.
"Comparing ourselves even to last year, just the learning's that we've made, also the fact that we've had another whole year of being professional athletes. I think that really shows in our physical game, but also our game awareness, our game smarts, and also I guess just that experience as well, we just can't wait to see where we'll be in another six months."
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