Aldora Itunu is back in the Black Ferns selection after a three-year absence.
The last of her 24 internationals was a disappointing defeat to France (7-29) in Castres to end the disastrous 2021 Northern Tour.
The powerhouse won a Rugby World Cup in 2017 and thought she was done.
“I couldn't believe it when Bunce (Alan Bunting) called me. I had a huge flashback to when I first became a Black Fern. There was a long silence and then Bunce said, “I hope this is a yes.” Oh no, it's definitely a yes,” Itunu replied.
She's not in the match day selection for the opening test against the USA at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday afternoon, but her return to the national stage is remarkable.
On December 5, 2022, Itunu gave birth to her son Ezekiel, named after the book in the Bible.
With a son, in a single relationship, Itunu retired from coaching and community work. She continued to play provincial rugby avidly and in the first match of the 2023 Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) she reached 50 appearances for Auckland.
The Storm lost that match 32-31 to Hawkes Bay. It was their first defeat to the Tui since 2007. Newly signed Black Fern Kahlia Awa scored a try and produced a star turn at halfback.
Things were going to get better for Auckland. They twice overpowered a highly-fancied Waikato (25-15 and 29-22) to earn a place in the Premiership final against Canterbury, who they upset 39-27 in Christchurch.
Captain Eloise Blackwell and young winger Angelica Vahai both scored twice in the match, which saw the home side draw even with less than 20 minutes to go before another surge toppled the Canterbury dynasty. Canterbury had won four of the last five finals since 2015, with Auckland unsuccessful.
“After giving birth I wasn't sure how I would perform, but I can now recover much better. I spend more time on what my body needs. Better nutrition, hot and cold showers, stretching, all that one percent they talk about.
“Unfortunately, injuries have set me back in my career. I've been around the game for so long that it's taken its toll on my body. I don't think my knee will ever get better, but I've learned how to manage it better. I didn't expect to end the season so well.”
Itunu has won five FPC Premierships. In April she added a Super Rugby Aupiki crown to her CV after a standout campaign for the Blues.
She scored tries in wins against Matatū (27–17), Chiefs Manawa (40–26) and Hurricanes Poua (41–29) and then started the 24–18 final victory over Manawa at Eden Park. The Blues rallied from a seemingly losing position when they trailed 5-18 in heavy rain to win. Successive attempts by Kahlia Awa, Katelyn Vaha'akolo and Liana Mikaele Tu'u succeeded.
“Oh man, it felt like we won a World Cup because it was four years in the making, and the fact that we finished last in 2023 made it even more special,” Itunu reflected.
“I saw so much potential from the beginning and last year when I wasn't playing. I'm not sure what went wrong last year, but it was surreal to see us come together and actually do it after all the hard work.”
The scrum battle in the final was torrid and this is where Itunu thrives.
“Every scrum is chaos, but it's good, man. Going against the current Black Ferns is even better. It's not a walk in the park.
“Every individual has strengths and weaknesses. The challenge is to identify what they are and then work to manipulate opponents to your advantage.
“In the final I marked Kate Henwood. I had never gone against her before, but I soon found out that she is very strong, of course.'
Itunu flourished under the tutelage of new Blues drum coach Census Johnston, who played 60 Tests for Samoa and won three Top 14 titles in a distinguished French career. Itunu credited Johnston with giving her a greater appreciation for the subtleties of scrummaging.
Former Māori All Black Willie Walker and All Black Carlos Spencer (35 tests, 291 points, 27 wins) ensured the Blues played a style that helped the players express themselves (within reason) with confidence.
Three-time World Cup winner Black Fern Linda Itunu is Aldora's big sister and completed the quartet of coaches.
“It's cool to see her in that space. She brings a wealth of knowledge and you trust her because she has walked the walk.
“The best thing about Linda is that she knows when to be a sister and when to be a coach. In the blues environment, everyone is equal. There is no special treatment. She treats me like she treats the others. She has been my role model throughout my career.”
Itunu made her debut for the Black Ferns in 2015, three years after starting her career in Auckland. Strangely, Itunu only made the team after Manawatū propagandist Sita Kuruyabaki had visa problems with her Fijian passport and had to be replaced. The match was a success with a 40-22 victory.
She has extensive experience against Pacific 4 opponents Canada, Australia and the US.
In the 2017 Rugby World Cup, Itunu memorably scored a hat-trick in the pool play against Canada.
“You know what. I was in the right place at the right time. I was literally just the finisher. Everyone forgot about my hat trick when Toka Natua got hers in the final.”
She played five wins and scored two tries against Australia. A crushing tackle she made on Grace Hamilton after a 31-11 win in Sydney in 2018 went viral.
The Black Ferns' immediate priority is to suppress the US in Hamilton. The US should be the easiest of the three Pac4 matches. They have already played and were defeated 50-7 by Canada on April 29. Canadian captain Sophie de Goede once again led from the front by scoring two tries and 18 points and Claire Gallagher also bagged a brace in an impressive performance as halfback alongside livewire. number 9 Olivia apps.
The Black Ferns have defeated the USA 13 times in 14 internationals, beating the Eagles 645-95 on aggregate. Their only defeat was 7-0 in 1991.
Itunu played in the 45–12 win against the Americans in the 2017 Rugby World Cup semi-final where Portia Woodman scored four tries, including the Sky Sport Fans' Try of the Year as New Zealand were just ahead by 8 after 20 minutes -7 was ahead.
“I remember after ten minutes I was really tired. I hissed and ran around like a headless chicken. Oh my god, how do I relax? All the girls enjoyed it so much.
'Portia's try came from a scrum. We flowed. Portia got the ball left, right, you can see me right behind her; no, actually I just got up again after the scrum 65 meters away.
A year later, Itunu scored the first try two minutes into a 67–6 win at Soldier Field in Chicago, home of the Chicago Bears NFL franchise.
“Walking into that stadium was one of the craziest experiences of my life. So that's what it feels like to play in front of so many people? Rugby is not their main sport, but the potential of women's rugby is enormous.”