The Blackferns v England Rugby World Cup final: excitement reaching frenzy

The game is coming soon. Tomorrow night at Eden Park Black his Ferns and England go head to head for the crown of world champions.

Black women have inspired generations of girls to dream of Rugby World Cup glory.

Among them is Delta Simanke, 5 years old. She was in awe of the heroes during her first rugby experience.

“I like girls scoring tries,” she said.

Winger Ruby Tui quickly became Delta’s favorite player. She said, “Because she likes the pink band in her hair.”

New Zealand’s Ruby Tui celebrates her try in the Black Ferns semi-final against France at the Rugby World Cup.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

As for her predictions for Saturday and the team she’d like to represent one day, the answer was the same.

“The Black Ferns!”

Former Black Ferns skipper and NZ Rugby board member Farah Palmer said he was very excited, both personally and professionally.

“This is the culmination of a lot of work behind the scenes from players and tournament organizers and we can’t wait.”

Palmer said the tournament was a huge success.

“There was a theme of unstoppable energy, which is a sign towards the growth of the game for women and girls.”

The Hall of Famer said the fans created a great atmosphere.

“Everyone is so happy, so enthusiastic, so excited about the team and the game.”

Palmer said the team showed incredible tenacity.

“They went against it after a tumultuous few years. I know they’ve done all they can. So far they’ve shown us magic. Quite exhausting. An epic match.” will be.”

Farrah Palmer: “The team and the game have been very inspiring.”
Photo: photo sports

Hospitality anticipating a ‘big weekend’

The bars around Eden Park also make for a big night out.

Clare Inn owner Suzanne Hurley Conway said the crowd brought great energy to the bar.

“It’s exciting, there’s a lot of people around and it’s going to be a good atmosphere. We want to have a big weekend for that and hopefully it’s the right result for the country. I hope

Harley-Conway said he saw punters from all over the world during the tournament.

British-turned-Kiwi owner of The Bridgeman’s restaurant and bar, Sean Lee, was delighted with the combination.

“It’s a different crowd than a normal All Blacks event and a bit more of a family atmosphere.”

Lee said the fun often gets lost because of the expectations around the men’s team.

“People feel a little nervous at an All Blacks match, but this is definitely more freewheeling, more fun and more festive.”

Chris Simpson, Oakland Unlimited’s head of major events, said financial projections for the tournament are ahead of expectations.

“We made some economic estimates before the tournament and were expecting 5,000 visitors, $3.6 million in GDP returns, and 27,100 visitor nights. And considering the sold-out crowd, we hope to get to those numbers and more.”

Simpson said Tamaki Makaulau welcomes the tournament with open arms.

“Seeing Eden Park sell out in the final and seeing the projected TV audience potentially surpass one million in the semi-finals is a Rugby World Cup dream come true.”

Police said they were very pleased with the behavior of the fans so far.

“There were a few minor incidents, all dealt with promptly by police and event security, but for the most part the atmosphere of the game was family-friendly and happy.”

Police said they hoped this would continue during Saturday’s showdown.

“I wish him success on and off the pitch.”

Tournament Director ‘Proud’

Tournament director Michelle Hooper said not only was she thrilled to see the Black Ferns reach the finals, but she had exceeded her expectations by selling out Eden Park twice during the cup.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved here and the New Zealand fans supporting women’s rugby.”

Black Ferns co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Simon hold the Rugby World Cup trophy at Eden Park.
Photo: Photosports / World Rugby 2022

Hooper said it was important to get the tournament off to a great start by selling out Eden Park in the doubleheader on day one.

“As we all know, heroes are players, so we knew the game would sell when they showed up.

“The games they play are great and rugby is so exciting and dynamic. When people take the time to watch and appreciate it, the fans who love rugby can’t help but want to be at the next game.” .”

International TV ratings are not yet available, but they were impressive, she said.

Last Saturday night, one million people watched national television coverage of the Black Ferns semi-final against France. She hoped people would hold a “watch party” at her home tomorrow.

Responding to criticism of the lack of a fanzone, she likened women’s rugby to a start-up.

“There was no proven market here [before the latest RWC].”

A total of 34,000 fans attended the final Rugby World Cup in Ireland in 2017. So far he has 140,000 people attending the match in Aotearoa.