Next Friday 25 July sees the announcement of the 32 Black Ferns to fly to England.
There are the usual dead certs, plus a number of chancier choices Allan Bunting has to make.
Some Kiwi fans may well expect their favourite team, never called New Zealand at home, to win yet another pot. Others, taking a less blinkered view, are aware of the strength of opposition coming from elsewhere.
Strengths
First and foremost is the weight of history. They beat England in the last final held in London.
Supporting this view, we have players with outstanding CVs from whom much will be expected.
Specifically, the back-row, where Jorja Miller represents a new golden era.
Miller has taken the 7s world by storm, and now added eye-catching performances in 15s.
The competition for the No 8 slot between Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u is a poser many selectors would like to have.
A fully fit Kennedy Tukuafu would complete a formidable set of loose forwards.
Out wide, prime-quality wingers queue up, led by Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. Katelyn Vahaakolo and Ayesha Leti-I’Iga appear shoo-ins. Does that leave room for an A-lister like Ruby Tui?
The two regular centres, Silvia Brunt and Amy Du Plessis; are impressive. Add to them Stacey Waaka, and opponents know they will earn their corn.
Weaknesses
While other positions are reserved for great names, srrength in depth is less certain. A prime case is No 10 where Ruahei Demant rules the roost. But her back-ups?
Bunting has recalled Kelly Brazier, presumably because he isn’t convinced by Hannah King or other options. Is the cupboard that bare? For me so much depends on the co-captain’s calm presence.
Full-back is another position looking for an automatic choice. Renee Holmes is No 1 pick at present, but will the alternatives be any more reliable than she has been? Place-kicking has decided a number of BF games recently.
No 9: If the pack comes under pressure from leading opponents, which of Maia Joseph, Iritana Hohaia and Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu is most adept at dealing with balls on the retreat?
Front-row
Hooker remains a potential weakness. The line-out is as integral a part of the game as it has ever been. The BFs won the last RWC on a line-out, but can Georgia Ponsonby (the first choice) and whoever else finds favour be sure of continuing accuracy? Jumpers and lifters have to be spot on as well.
For once, the BF props cannot be sure of winning every contest. Can they withstand the pressure coming from their Canadian and English counterparts? Reserve strength here is another absolute must. I’m not convinced New Zealand can offer the necessary combination of power, techique and athleticism needed here.
There remains the inevitable issue of injury, upsetting the best laid plans.
We must hope that Bunting is able to escort all his first-choice players on to the plane for England.
