Moore said the team had acclimatised well since arriving in Dublin and the four days in camp before flying out had meant their preparation had been thorough.

“The team is ready to go. The feeling in the camp is one of genuine excitement and our trainings have had a real steely edge and focus." 

The Black Ferns named are a mix of experience and fresh talent with captain Fiao’o Faamausili leading her team in her fifth World Cup, others returning for their second or third Cup, and some who have a handful of Test matches under their belts.

Newcomer Becky Wood will start at lock having impressed Moore with her strength and skill level.

“Becky is a total workhorse and thoroughly deserves her start despite her lack of Test caps. She has continued to raise the bar of her performance every week. 

“This team has real depth and I’m confident we have the mix right. Our reserves will be critical too. They will come out and make a significant change to the game. I’m excited to see this team go.”

Moore said the Black Ferns were receiving lots of messages of support from home which was helping them keep focussed on the job at hand. 

“We’ve got a job to do and that’s to put together a performance that we’re all proud of. If we can achieve that then the outcome will take care of itself,” he said. 

Link to video newsreel here
Link to audio of Glenn Moore here 

2017 Women's Rugby World Cup, pool stages in Dublin (NZT)

Thursday, 10 August 01.45am
Black Ferns v Wales

Sunday, 13 August 11pm
Black Ferns v Hong Kong

Thursday, 17 August 11pm
Black Ferns v Canada

Broadcasting
The 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup will be broadcast on SKY TV. All Black Ferns matches will be screened live on SKY SPORT 1.

Media Guide
A Black Ferns media guide can be found here