Rugby World Cup: Black Ferns call for Kiwi fans to pick quarter-final over All Blacks v Japan clash

Come Saturday evening, New Zealand rugby fans face a difficult choice over who should occupy their evenings - All Blacks or Black Ferns?

Rugby World Cup seedings have pitted the Black Ferns against Wales in a knockout encounter at Whangārei, creating a direct scheduling clash with the men's test against Japan at Tokyo.

The All Blacks' northern tour opener kicks off at 6:50pm, while the Black Ferns quarter-final begins at 7:30pm.

Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant against Australia.
Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant against Australia. Photo credit: Image - Photosport

About 19,000 can attend the Ferns fixture at Northland Events Centre, leaving fans around the country with an unenviable choice to make, but for the team riding a wave of support during their home World Cup, there's no doubt where the eyeballs should be.

"It's a silly question, isn't it?" joked halback Kendra Cocksedge.

"If you're turning up to the game, you can only watch the Black Ferns," added flanker Sarah Hirini. "Watch the All Blacks replay later."

Jokes aside, Cocksedge hopes for a continuation of backing for the Black Ferns, who have already drawn healthy turnouts across Auckland, Waitakere and Whangārei during the tournament's pool stages.

Even up against the All Blacks, they're confident they can live up to the billing when - and not if - audiences get in behind them on Saturday.

"At the end of the day, we're playing some really good footy," Cocksedge continued. "We've attracted an awesome crowd across the country and across the world.

"We're hoping everyone gets in and supports us, and we ask that from New Zealand and the world, there's been some good footy on display. 

"Back us and, as Gossy [Hirini] said, watch the All Blacks on replay."

Catch the Rugby World Cup live on Spark Sport or free-to-air on Three, or join us on Saturday for live updates of both the Black Ferns and All Blacks