Will Jordan celebrates his try with Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett. Photo: Marty Melville / www.photosport.nz
Black Ferns v Australia
Kick-off: 4:30pm Saturday 12 July
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Live blog updates on RNZ
All Blacks v France
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 12 July
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Live blog updates on RNZ
Wellington fans are confident their city can become a fortress for home teams.
The capital is gearing up for a sold out rugby double header with the All Blacks and Black Ferns playing back to back games in the capital on Saturday.
The All Blacks are seeking to beat France and improve a poor recent record in city, while for the Black Ferns players it's their last game to impress before the squad for this year's World Cup is named.
The All Blacks edged an inexperienced French team 31-27 last week in Dunedin with the tourists going close to causing a boilover.
That result was reflected in Scott Robertson's selections this week, with the All Blacks coach making just three changes.
Timoci Tavatavanawai. Photo: John Cowpland / action press
Two of those were injury enforced and the other was handing uncapped Highlanders midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai a chance to debut from the bench.
Blindside flanker Tupou Vaa'i said he was glad Tavatavanawai, nicknamed Jim the Difference, was on his team.
"In Super Rugby he was like another No.7 (openside flanker) over the ball and he topped the stats for the most turnovers in the season. We (Chiefs) played them (Highlanders) in the last round robin game and it took five guys to take him down," Tupou said.
The Black Ferns test against the Wallaroos kicks off Saturday's action and the hosts have welcomed back 2022 World Cup star Ruby Tui.
Initially not selected in the squad, Tui was called up due to injuries and will get an opportunity to impress in the Black Ferns last game before this year's World Cup in England.
"Pretty special this one because it's on our own whenua. It's our last time here in front of our own people. It's sold out. I was actually born in Wellywood. You know, there's a few of us with a few ties. Lots of family are coming, a few milestones, so it's a special time," Tui said.
Ruby Tui playing for the Chiefs Manawa. Photo: Photosport
The Black Ferns World Cup squad will be named at the end of the month and coach Allan Bunting was happy with how the side was progressing with just one match remaining before their title defence.
"I think we're placed pretty well. A couple of years ago if I look back to what my vision was for now and where we are and the players we've got and the management and coaches we have, everyone is doing a really good job. So I'm pretty content where we are now," Bunting said.
Both the Black Ferns and the All Blacks were heavy favourites to beat their opponents on Saturday, but Wellington hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the men's team of late, with the All Blacks winning just two games in the last eight years in the capital.
All Blacks and Black Ferns fans Brad, Corey, Cam and Christian (L to R). Photo: Joe Porter/RNZ
Local fans who had gathered at Shed 6 on Wellington's waterfront to snare some signatures had their own theories, or not, about why the All Blacks have struggled in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
"No idea, mate. The curse was broken with the win over Australia last year, so fingers crossed we can become the new Eden Park," said young fan Brad.
New Zealand rugby fan Dane is going to Saturday's game in Wellington and was at the test in Dunedin last week. Photo: Joe Porter/RNZ
"I was here last year when they when they beat the Wallabies, so it must be because I was at the ground," said Dane.
"I'm going to the game on Saturday, I could be a lucky charm."
Others had different ideas.
"I think it's the lack of communication, man," said Lenny. "It's the lack of energy from the crowd," claimed Albert.
"But it's sold out tomorrow night, so that should make a difference."
Rugby fans Lenny (L) and Albert. Photo: Joe Porter/RNZ
Coach Scott Robertson said there was a simple explanation for their recent troubles in Wellington.
"It's obviously around performance and that's what we can focus on. We've got to perform better."
He said the All Blacks owe it to local fans and iwi Ngāti Toa to produce a winning effort on Saturday night.
"The people, the local whenua. We fully respect the Kamate haka, where it comes from (local Wellington iwi Ngāti Toa). I think it's important we understand that the performance and the ability to call it somewhere that we're really proud of and extremely passionate to play, starts every time we get here, every time we play.
"People are turning up to see a performance they'll be proud of."
If the All Blacks could deliver such a performance, they should take an unassailable 2-nil lead in the three test series against France.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
