Black Ferns loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Riki Flutey is new to the Black Ferns coaching staff and he likes what he sees as the team prepares for their first test of the year.
The former Māori All Blacks and British and Irish Lions international has joined the team as backs and skills coach, replacing former All Black Mike Delany, who quit as an assistant coach at the end of last year.
"I'm really excited," Flutey said ahead of the Black Ferns first test of the year against Australia this weekend in Newcastle, which doubles as the opening O'Reilly Cup match and first Pacific Four game of the series.
Riki Flutey playing for England. Photo: Olly Greenwood
It will mark the start of the World Champions journey towards this year's World Cup in England in August and September, where the Black Ferns will seek to defend their crown against the likes of the World No.1 ranked hosts.
Flutey believes the early signs are good for New Zealand.
"From my point of view we had a really good week last week in Wellington growing our game, but it was also really important around making connections within the squad," Flutey said.
"We've got a number of new and exciting players in the team and also some really strong experienced players, so connection was a really big focus for us and for myself being the first time in the environment."
This week the team is in Newcastle and preparations have taken on a sharper focus.
"This week is test week, so we're still focusing on growing our game, but also implementing how we want to play on both sides of the ball."
Flutey said while there were several proven performers and previous World Cup winners in the squad such as playmaker Ruahei Demant and loose forward Kennedy Tukuafu, no one is guaranteed a place in the side.
There are three players that could make their Black Ferns debuts in the Pacific Four series; prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, hooker Vici-Rose Green and fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee Photo: Photosport
Sevens stars Jorja Miller, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano, Dhys Faleafaga and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane have been included in the squad but Miller, Waaka and Pouri-Lane will join the squad in Christchurch ahead of the Black Ferns test against Canada.
"There's certainly room for people to come in and stamp their mark, 100 percent," Flutey said.
"We will name a World Cup squad later on and there are plenty of opportunities for players to push their way into the top team.
"There's a number of stars coming through. They're all competing for spots and the players that have been here in this team for a few seasons now, they're not being complacent because they know that they've got lots of competition."
Flutey knows the Black Ferns have plenty of work to do to retain the O'Reilly Cup, reclaim the Pacific Four title they lost last season to Canada and get themselves to a level of performance capable of winning the World Cup.
"It's a really exciting space for me to come into this environment. What I've observed over the last week-and-a-half and also throughout the Super Rugby Aupiki competition is that we've got some talent.
"We've got some talent in New Zealand, got some talent in the squad to play some really, really exciting footy."
First up is Australia, who beat Fiji last weekend. Flutey believes they will push the Black Ferns, who are heavy favourites, in Newcastle.
"Australia had a had a fantastic win against Fiji. They love to move the ball around.
"They attack space really well through a triple threat, meaning they've got kickers in their team that can they can kick the ball to space. They've got hardworking forwards.
"It's going to be a really tough challenge."
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