Wallaroos undaunted by ‘world record’ Eden Park crowd

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The trans-Tasman rivals are the feature act on a triple header which will see South Africa play France and England take on Fiji in the preceding games.

 

A crowd of more than 30,000 is assured, making it a world record for a stand-alone women's rugby match. That was a crowd of 20,000 set in 2014.

 

Parry told rugby.com.au, the Wallaroos had prepared for a hostile environment in what she said would be a 'massive spectacle' for women's rugby.

 

"It's been great to see the support for women's rugby around town.

 

"You're playing New Zealand in front of their home crowd, and I wouldn't expect less than a blackout. We're just focusing on us and our processes, and, hopefully, there's a lot of Aussies making that trip across the ditch, and with friends and family, there will be a sprinkling of gold [through the crowd].

 

"To play New Zealand on their home turf at such a historic venue as Eden Park…We're really looking forward to kicking off our campaign on Saturday and taking a forward step," she said.

In 22 Tests, Australia has yet to beat New Zealand, including three earlier performances in 2022. The Black Ferns won their Pacific Four Nations Test 23-10 and their Laurie O'Reilly Trophy Tests 52-5 and 22-14.

 

Parry said: "For us as a team, it's all about putting an 80-minute performance together which we haven't been able to do yet in all our Test matches."

 

They needed to focus on their respective roles and execute them efficiently.

 

"We've come a long way, and we've learnt something in every Test this year which is something we've put in our pocket for a situation like this.

 

"It's about putting together that 80-minute performance and having everyone on board. The squad is in a lot better shape than when we started six-eight months ago, and you'll see an improved performance on Saturday."

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