“They have thrown the challenge back to us” – Black Ferns’ Brian Evans

Black Ferns head coach Brian Evans is under no illusion over the scale of the challenge ahead as his side begin their three-match series against England tonight in Esher.
After a 2-0 series loss last time around Evans noted England’s rise to the top snatching his World Cup winning side’s mantle as the team to beat.
He told The Rugby Paper: “We are playing the best team in the world.
“They have really moved the game on in terms of fitness and skill over the last few years.
“I think it was coming they have thrown the challenge back to us, it is great for the women’s game.
However, despite this being their first international fixture for almost a year preparation has been healthier than last year for the Ferns.
With the domestic season not long finished Evans is pleased with the fitness of his side and hopes they can use last year’s result as extra motivation.
“They’re not used to losing so some of them will have taken it hard and may feel they have something to prove,” he said.
“Preparation has been better because of the NPC finishing at the end of October so they have been playing competitive rugby. It should make a big difference because they will be match fit.
“But, it is going to be more pressure on us because we have had no games in the last year. We have got to be very clever.”
Evans realises how important it will be to get off to a good start to seize the momentum going into the second test.
“It is going to be crucial, winning the first game would be a massive boost going towards the next game there’s everything to play for,” he said.
With a mixture of experience and youth he is encouraged by the way his older players are rising to the challenge and looks forward to seeing his debutants make a mark on the international stage.
He said: “We have four on the bench today that will get some time, I’m really looking forward to seeing them play.”
“We’ve also got a group that have been around for two or three years and have bit of test experience and they have come through and look really exciting.
“Some of them have really stepped up and realise there good enough to be there.
“The girls are really focused and have been working really hard so now we are just looking forward to a game.”
ALFIE GODDEN