Halfback Kendra Cocksedge says the Black Ferns are ready to unleash a “beast” this weekend in their first O’Reilly Cup match against the Wallaroos.
The side has gone from strength to strength since internationally renowned head coach Wayne Smith took over in April, winning all four matches of June's Pacific Four series to take the title.
Cocksedge hopes to do more of the same this weekend as they face the Wallaroos in Christchurch, saying she is looking for the “icing on the cake” ahead of October’s home Rugby World Cup.
The last time the two sides met, the Black Ferns walked away as victors 23-10.
“I talk a little bit at the moment around (finding) that icing on the cake,” Cocksedge told SENZ Breakfast.
“Obviously during Pac (Pacific) Four (it) was our first time together and we had some wet footy and with that, you kind of got a snippet of how we’re trying to play.
“There’s a beast in there and so the up and about is just trying to cause chaos out there on the pitch, creating a blur and attacking well.”
Smith, commonly known as ‘The Professor’ for his genius tactics on the field, has ignited the Black Ferns’ attack with an “exciting” gameplan led by Cocksedge in the halfback role.
“He’s obviously got a massive attacking mindset, he’s not huge on the kicking game, so that’s what I think is exciting,” Cocksedge added.
“We’ve got electric players that can play this type of gameplan and he’s challenging us constantly to be better and to learn from our players and to also express yourself as well.
“We saw a snippet of that in Pac Four and we just wanted to take it up to another level these next two games; it’s massive preparation for the World Cup coming up in about 30-odd days.”
The Black Ferns will begin their two-Test O’Reilly Cup series with the Wallaroos on Saturday at Orangetheory Stadium, before heading to Adelaide for a re-match on August 27.