Rugby: Black Ferns moved by traditional Aboriginal welcome

  • 14/08/2018

The Black Ferns have touched down in Sydney for their test against Australia on Saturday.

The tourists were greeted by a traditional Aboriginal welcome upon their arrival Monday night, with a performance that tugged on NZ captain Fiao'o Fa'amausili's heart strings.

"It was very emotional," said Fa'amausili. "The Black Ferns love to give back and we do it for the kids.

"To see young girls come out and show us their culture… we were holding back the tears.

"For the Black Ferns to be welcomed to a country for a test match like this is very special."

The group of five young Australian performers were delighted when the team showed their gratitude by responding with a Māori waiata.

"They wanted a photo, but we wanted to give something extra back.

"They just showed us what Australian culture is and we wanted to show them a bit of the New Zealand culture as well."

The world champion Black Ferns face Australia as part of doubleheader with their male counterparts at ANZ Stadium and expect a stern challenge from their trans-Tasman rivals.

"This is their home soil, so they're not going to back away. They'll come out guns blazing and we've just got to be upfront, meeting those bullets."

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Join us at 7:15pm Saturday for live updates of the Black Ferns vs Australia test from Sydney.