Black Fern looks forward to Twickenham match

It's not very often the All Blacks play their match on the same ground before you, but Ruth McKay will have that opportunity with the Black Ferns on November 21.

The Manawatu front-rower will probably run out for the national women's team against England at 4.45pm local time after the All Blacks have faced their English counterparts at 2.30pm.

The 23-year-old was loath to use the term "curtain-raiser" to describe the All Blacks test.

"Just to play on Twickenham would be amazing," she said.

"Any time on the field is a good time."

McKay joined the Black Ferns for a weekend camp in Auckland yesterday and the squad departs for England on Monday.

A former No8, McKay moved into the front row a few seasons ago with great success and is now a Black Ferns regular.

Originally picked as a hooker, she has also found her way at loosehead prop and said she would like to play tighthead too.

Since the NPC has finished, Manawatu's only Black Fern has been following a weights, cardio and skill-specific training programme.

But for the head shepherd at the Te Kumu Station in Hunterville, it can be a bit of a challenge.

"It's kind of hard in the middle of nowhere being by your yourself," she laughed.

McKay joked she tried practicing her lineout throwing to some of the other shepherds but they became bored helping her out.

She said despite playing in a team that was up against it for the NPC, she never felt her Black Ferns prospects were under threat.

"It was a tough season for Manawatu. I think motivational-wise I found it hard to get in a groove and keep myself going.

"We didn't really have a good season. I'm not downing the Manawatu team, they gave it their all."

Black Ferns coach Brian Evans watched Manawatu play three times this year and McKay said if he wasn't there, he had a scout watching the matches.

McKay won't be changing province next season to play for a more established team and has her eye on the big prize.

"To get to the World Cup next year, that's the goal."

The Black Ferns play England twice on their tour and England A.

Schedule: Saturday November 14 v England, Esher RFC, Tuesday November 17 v England A, Esher RFC, Saturday November 21 v England, Twickenham.

- © Fairfax NZ News