The Black Ferns have been drawn in the same pool as Australia in the 2021 Rugby World Cup as the official draw for the New Zealand tournament was revealed.
The defending champions will face their transtasman rivals along with Wales and a soon to be determined final qualifier in Pool A.
Black Ferns captain Eloise Blackwell said she was looking forward to facing their traditional rivals the Wallaroos.
"I've never been in a pool with Australia but every time we come up against each other it's a massive battle," she said at the official draw event, which was also attended by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, former All Black Dan Carter and several current and ex-Black Ferns.
"No doubt next year's going to be nothing different," Blackwell added.
2021 Rugby World Cup draw. Photo / World Rugby
In Pool B, the United States and Canada have been drawn together along with qualifiers from Europe and Asia.
Meanwhile, 2017 Rugby World Cup runners-up England will be joined by France, South Africa and Fiji in Pool C.
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