New Zealand's top five prospect Hannah King “never thought” she would get the chance to play for the Black Ferns at just 20 years old. But after moving north from Canterbury to Wellington to pursue the Super Ubiqui deal, King hasn't looked back.
On the back of a breakout season with Hurricanes Poua, King has been included in a star-studded Black Ferns squad ahead of the Pacific Four Series campaign. The young Cantabrian was competing with the giants of the game.
King has been named one of just two top five-eighths alongside Rugby World Cup-winning co-captain and 2022 Rugby World Player of the Year Ruahei Demant. In the world of international rugby, there aren't many better than Demant.
But as the two playmakers competed to impress the coaches, King went from not knowing the Black Ferns' leader by the nickname “Lou” to becoming very close. Demant even interrogated King during training to make sure the young man was “in the know.”
“(She) was a great mentor for an upcoming young player. Any questions answered immediately, anything. “She even asked me to make sure I was aware of it, which is really good because that's how I learn,” King said. Rugby Pass After running Captain Black Fern.
“We work well together. Even when she was 12 when I was there (for her debut) – I love playing with her and she is a great player and a great teacher.”
Now, after a fair spell in camp, King is set to face his most nerve-wracking challenge yet with coaches Allan Ponting and co giving Hurricanes talent Poua his first Test start.
King will wear the No.10 jersey as the Black Ferns' primary playmaker against arch rivals Australia on Saturday afternoon, while Demant will look to make an impact off the field alongside full-back Maya Joseph.
The 20-year-old, who played two seasons in the Farah Palmer Cup with Canterbury, made a bet on herself by moving north to the capital and it has paid off hugely.
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After making his debut off the bench against USA earlier in the Pacific Four Series, King will reach new heights in front of his family at North Harbor Stadium.
The trip was amazing. To be honest, it's always been a dream of mine. “I worked hard for it but I didn't think I would come this early.”
“At 20 years old, it's great because this team is still so young, and there are a lot of young (players) like our backline that is still so young. It's great to learn with these youngsters as well.
“20, it's crazy. I'm so grateful to the coaches for giving me this opportunity. Even to (my teams) back home in Canterbury and the Hurricanes for giving me the opportunity to get here as well.”
“It was a tough decision, I'm not going to lie, when I got the call for the chance to get a contract there because I've always wanted to play at home,” she added when asked about moving north from Canterbury.
“At the same time, you can't say no to opportunities.
“Hurricane, in this area you have to take those opportunities and I'm very grateful that I did.”
There is always pressure when anyone wears the black jersey. It's a big responsibility, but you don't have to tell the group that.
Whether it was the intensity with which they trained, or their unwavering generosity in interacting with young children who just wanted to meet their rugby heroes at North Harbor Stadium on Friday, the Black Ferns are an amazing act on and off the field.
But they are “hurting” and so are their upcoming rivals in Australia.
New Zealand were beaten by Canada for the first time ever last time out. As for the Wallaroo team, they are coming off a disappointing defeat to the USA in Melbourne.
“We were all very down about last week but I think this lights a fire in our bellies to get out there and put a line in the sand to show how strong we are as players.
“I feel like last week, it wasn't really us.
“We are here, we are here now, living in the present and we are going to make big moves now.
“They will be hurting like us from last week, so it will be a good game there because both teams are hurting from last week and will give their best,” she continued when asked about the Wallaroos.
“We know they have attacking threats all over the park, they are really physical.
“It should be a good fight.
“There has always been a clash between the two countries in men's and women's rugby, so it will be a good battle.”
This Trans-Tasman blockbuster will kick off at North Harbor Stadium at 12:05pm AEST / 2:05pm NZT. Fans can watch the Pacific Four Series match live and free on RugbyPassTV if they sign up here.
