Fantastic Black Ferns firing for shot at title No 4

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FINAL: The Black Ferns go into tomorrow's women's Rugby World Cup final at the Twickenham Stoop in London chasing an unprecedented fourth title.

New Zealand against England in the Rugby World Cup final.

It's a tantalising prospect for the All Blacks, who haven't made a world cup final since 1996, but for the Black Ferns it's nothing out of the ordinary.

They go into tomorrow's women's Rugby World Cup final at the Twickenham Stoop in London chasing an unprecedented fourth title to crown a 13-year period of dominance during which they have been beaten just twice.

"Four down, one to go. It's going to be an exciting final," said Black Ferns coach Brian Evans. "They are a very good team. They have played very well this tournament and they defend very well, so we are going to have to be on top of our game.

"Good tests matches and good finals, have to be won up front. They are a very physical side like all English teams are but I'm confident we can match them for physicality. We've been scoring some good tries so, obviously, we want to have a crack at them out wide."

The last time the teams met was at Twickenham in November last year when England ground out at 10-3 win. The game was the after-match to the All Blacks end of year test against England.

Since then England have played five tests in their buildup to the world cup, while the Black Ferns have had to hone their skills at training camps when first a proposed tour by Canada was cancelled and then the women's NPC was canned.

"At the time, it seemed like one setback after another," Evans said. "But I'm lucky to be working with such a phenomenal group of people. They are amazing athletes. They set incredibly high standards and they are playing well and. To be honest, if we'd had a different preparation, I'm not sure we'd be playing any better." Although, England will have home advantage, the Black Ferns won't be lacking in support.

Before the tournament their IT whiz Daniel Cron did a series of good luck video clips messages from a host of notable New Zealanders including Prime Minister John Key, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and members of the All Whites.

There's also a message from All Blacks coach Graham Henry. Word is that could be the one that's played before the final. If the Black Ferns do bring home the silverware, then perhaps, they could return the favour.

Likely team: 1 Ruth McKay, 2 Fiaoo Faamausili, 3 Mel Bosman, 4 Vita Robinson, 5 Victoria Heighway, 6 Melissa Ruscoe, 7 Justine Lavea, 8 Casey Robertson, 9 Emma Jensen, 10 Anna Richards, 11 Renee Wickcliffe, 12 Kelly Brazier, 13 Huriana Manuel, 14 Carla Hohepa, 15 Victoria Grant. Reserves: 16 Karina Penetito, 17 Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, 18 Monalisa Codling, 19 Joan Sione, 20 Kendra Cocksedge, 21 Rebecca Mahoney, 22 Trish Hina.

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