The upcoming 2006 Women’s Rugby World Cup commenced with a big party yesterday, as teams celebrated the tournament in song and dance, with Irish, South African, and Samoan players performing traditional pieces.
Tomorrow is D-Day for the girls, the tournament starting with a tough unknown encounter for South Africa, who will face 7th-seeded Australia for the first time in a test match.
The match kicks off just after midnight (SA time) tomorrow at the St. Albert Rugby Football Club, in Edmonton.
The game against Australia has received much-needed attention from the 11-ranked Springboks, who refuse to underestimate the team from down-under.
But there’s no rest for the weary- the Boks’ next match is on Monday, when the team will face 2nd-ranked England, who represent a mighty force in the game.
In the last of their pool matches, the Springboks will take on Ireland four days later, at which stage we will know whether the girls have achieved enough to progress to the semi-final stage.
Yesterday teams from all twelve participating countries gathered in Edmonton’s Churchill Square to celebrate the fifth Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Fourth-seeded Canada will open the tournament on Thursday against two-time defending champions and log-leaders New Zealand.
"Probably (New Zealand) will be working out new kinks and everything, and we’re coming off this three-week tour and we’re feeling really confident," said Canada player Sarah Ulmer.
New Zealand captain Farah Palmer was confident of her team’s chances in the tournament, but conceded that the process of winning was a greater achievement each year.
"I’ve been lucky enough to go to two World Cups, and I know that some have gone to three or four, and I’m sure they’ll all agree that the competition’s getting better and better each time, and the games are getting closer and closer," said Palmer.
Teammate Hannah Myers agreed: "I’m confident in our team, but I also think the competition’s going to be a lot harder this year," she said.
Tournament director Simon Jelowitz refers to increased difficulty in staging the event with some pleasure, as the burden is due to an increased interest in the game.
"The women’s game continues to experience significant global growth, and the popularity of the Women’s Rugby World Cup has undoubtedly been a major driving force," he said.
"Global appeal, burgeoning playing numbers and increased development of the game has ensured that this will be a spectacle showcasing the finest players in the women’s game."
The Cup culminates in the final on September 17 at the Commonwealth Stadium.
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