Under the bright lights of the sold-out Eden Park stadium in Auckland, ribbons twinkling behind her, a beaming Tui sang to the crowd Tūtira mai ngā iwi (Come together as one) and more than 40,000 adoring voices responded: – “ tatu tatu huh!’ the stadium roared: ‘all of us, all of us!’ It was an emotional and fitting end to a tournament that sparked a new and overdue fever for women’s rugby. Record-breaking crowds and viewing figures, wall-to-wall media coverage and packed bars – the fan base for the women’s tournament was unprecedented. “If you like sports, remove the gender,” Tui said, urging people to ask themselves what they enjoy. “Because I guarantee you, that semi – that was fun, baby. This is sport.” Lily, a fan who flew from Wellington to watch the game at Auckland’s Eden Park with her whānau [family] he said he had never experienced a sports game like this, “where the crowd is so, so invested in every step of the game, from the very beginning … it felt like there was so much more.” “The collective intensity was incredible,” he said. “People were on the edge of their seats minute by minute – there was absolute euphoria at Eden Park.” The connection to the Maori world [the Māori world] it was palpable, he added, noting that he had never seen so much use of Maori language songs, the Maori flag flying and tens of thousands of fans waving poi in support. “The haka brought tears to people’s eyes and through every high and every low the crowd was there – it was electric and proud.” Women’s rugby was every bit as good as I always told you it was #RWC2021 No bloody investment in these champions and all those you just inspired today. — Alice Soper (@alicesoapbox) November 12, 2022 In a packed sports bar in Wellington, a pair of friends – one Maori, one British – alternately celebrated and despaired as their respective teams advanced and retreated throughout the match towards the final minute. As the 80th minute ticked away and New Zealand’s victory was assured, long-time rugby fan Marnie (of Ngā Puhi descent) jumped out of her chair. “I’m overwhelmed, I want to cry,” she said. “It feels great, I’m so proud. Women have worked so hard – it’s mana wāhine toa [strong women] – As a Maori woman, I’m so proud.” Marnie paid tribute to the England team: “The Kiwis felt the pressure, they played us hard until the end – but hey, Kiwis love rugby, it’s in our blood.” The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the action of the week covered Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Marnie’s boyfriend Charlie – a former rugby player – thought she was the only Brit in the bar but that she “loved watching the New Zealanders go hard”. Charlie, who lives in New Zealand, felt torn about who should play in the final but said “both teams put in a fantastic performance”. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was flying to Cambodia during the match, congratulated the Black Ferns on social media. “When we boarded the NZDF plane to head to the East Asia Summit this afternoon, I asked the crew if they were expecting updates on the Black Ferns game while we were in the air,” he wrote. “Not only did they inform us of the score, but also injuries. We landed with just enough time to beat the 20 minute closing time…and I’m so glad we did. There are no words for this game, just as there are almost no words for Black Ferns. But for now, I’ll go with the ‘legends’.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with fans – young and old – across the country and a tournament that is sure to inspire a new generation of fans and players. As cameras panned the Eden Park crowd, a young girl held a sign reading: “They’re not girls, they’re legends.” “Women’s rugby was as good as I always told you it was,” rugby superfan and commentator Alice Soper tweeted, followed by a plea to New Zealand rugby:[Now] bloody invest in these champions and all those you have just inspired today.’
