Black Ferns XV axing a missed opportunity ahead of Rugby World ...

Ireland's first win over the Black Ferns at this year's WXV tournament shows how the rest of the world has caught up with New Zealand. Photo / Photosport

THREE KEY FACTS

Alice Soper is a sports columnist for the Herald on Sunday. A former provincial rugby player and current club coach, she has a particular interest in telling stories of the emerging world of women sports.

OPINION

At the end of last year, the Black Ferns