The Black Ferns are excited to play in front of their home supporters again as they host France in Hamilton this weekend.
The Test match on Saturday is the first of three Test matches as part of the WXV World Series.
The team returns home after their three-Test Northern Hemisphere tour, which followed their standalone Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.
Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen is optimistic heading into this weekend's Test in Hamilton after her team's time away.
“It’s always really special to be home. I think you have different challenges when you're on tour, but sometimes it’s easier to be away,” said Hansen.
“Nothing compares to the positives and inspiration that you take as well as the wairua when you're at home, and that essence of getting to play in front of family and friends and knowing that you’re protecting home."
The Black Ferns will be looking to get back to winning ways after their heartbreaking 26-19 loss against England at Twickenham late last month.
Hansen said she has the tough job of selecting her matchday 23 for the opening Test match, with an unusual hour-and-a-half-long selection meeting preceding her team naming for the England Test.
“What we’re looking at now is starting to question what our strongest lineup is. I don't think every position is sewn up - we’ve got so much competition in those spaces and that needs to be tested too.
“We’ll still look to keep continuity; I think it would be silly to move away from what’s been working… but also make sure we’re growing depth in those positions and we’re giving that exposure and experience to a wider group than just the 23.”
Hansen said she's excited to see what France brings on Saturday, describing them as an "absolute threat".
The Black Ferns faced France in Lyon earlier this year, holding off the home side to win 28-14.
The first of the Black Ferns' three Tests against France is on Saturday, with kick off at 3:05pm.
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