This week, we catch up with Assistant coach John Haggart.
We’re heading into Round Four of the Farah Palmer Cup and there is a lot on the line as the top contenders push for finals spots.
Black Ferns Sevens players have added another level of professionalism and it’s a relief for Haggart that the Black Ferns coaching group now has their schedule locked in for later in the year, with a Probables v Possibles match confirmed alongside two matches between the Black Ferns and New Zealand Barbarians in November.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for us to watch the Farah Palmer Cup now knowing that we have a trial match and the two Barbarians games. So, we are watching for a purpose now and we know we have rugby ahead of us.”
Haggart said that while there have obviously been some blow outs so far in the competition, there have been some exciting matches.
“It’s been really impressive. The blow outs have come because of the North and South pools rather than Premiership and Championship so there has been some mismatches, but there has still been some wonderful tries and games.
“Coming back after lockdown, teams were probably a but short of a gallop when they first came into the competition, so I think we are just starting to see some sides hit their straps now. The likes of Canterbury, Counties and even the likes of Manawatu are starting to put their game together really well.”
As the Black Ferns backs and skills coach, Haggart has been thrilled to see how well the Sevens players have gone. He said their impact has been immense and they have really raised the standard of the Farah Palmer Cup.
“I recently spoke with Gayle Broughton about the presence that they have within the teams and all the girls look up to these contracted Sevens players. They have been in a professional environment and it’s not just what they do on the field, it’s their presence off the field as well. They are role models, and they go about their business and create a bit of a legacy for young women to follow.”
Black Ferns coaches connect in with the provincial unions and their coaches and players, keeping the connections open throughout the FPC and offering feedback. Haggart sticks to his southern region, while Wesley Clarke looks after central and Glenn Moore the northern region.
Haggart said despite some of the big score lines, players have been standing out in difficult situations.
“There are individuals within teams who have been well beaten, that are playing well. Every time they play, they are learning and for the women’s game to grow, they’ve got to continue to play in the Farah Palmer Cup. They have to make a few mistakes and learn from them. That’s the big challenge we’ve got, because a lot of players come out of a club season and then into an FPC comp that’s of high standard, but it’s exciting.”
Farah Palmer Cup: Round Four fixtures
Wellington Pride v Manawatu Cyclones
Friday 25 September
4.35pm, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Downer Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr
LIVE ON SKY SPORT
Tasman Mako v Otago Spirit
Saturday 26 September
11.35am, Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Downer Referee: Jono Bredin
TASMAN WEBSITE FOR DETAILS ON ATTENDING
North Harbour Hibiscus v Auckland Storm*
Saturday 26 September
*Venue Change 1pm, Outer Oval, behind North Harbour Stadium
Downer Referee: Lauren Jenner
Bay of Plenty Volcanix v Taranaki Whio
Saturday 26 September
2pm, Blake Park, Mount Maunganui
Downer Referee: Larissa Collingwood
LIVE STREAMED ON BAY OF PLENTY RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE
Hawke’s Bay Tui v Canterbury
Saturday 26 September
4.35pm, McLean Park, Napier
Downer Referee: Becs Mahoney
LIVE ON SKY SPORT
Counties Manukau Heat v Northland Kauri
Sunday 27 September
2.05pm, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Downer Referee: Nick Hogan
LIVE STREAMED ON COUNTIES FACEBOOK PAGE