Call me a mentor, maybe, but don't call me mum

Anna Richards gets no hassle from younger players - 'They wouldn't dare'. File Picture / Richard Robinson

Women can be sensitive about their age but Black Ferns first five-eighths Anna Richards fends off inquiries with a playfulness rarely evident in her game.

Richards is the grin-and-bear-it type, now comfortable in the fact age is one of the compelling statistics of her long and illustrious career.

For the record Richards is 42 in December and not - repeat NOT - yet already at that particular milestone.

"I'm 41, for-ty one," she gently chides down the line from Canada where New Zealand are homing in on a third successive World Cup crown.

That point clarified, Richards moves on to figures one senses she is happier to dwell on.

The Black Ferns' semifinal against France tomorrow will be her 39th cap - which doesn't really amount to much for someone who made her debut in 1990 when, if you recall, the blokes could still call themselves world champions.

"It's a fair while ago isn't it? Crikey, just imagine if I was a guy - I'd be a millionaire by now."

For the New Zealand women's team, however, the rewards of representing their country have never been measured in simple, financial terms.

Rather, the old chestnuts of pride and a love for the game see them juggle work with play.

The Black Ferns also see action intermittently, so when they do get kitted out there is even more motivation to do well.

"It's weird, we played Scotland the other day and they had a girl who's up to 90 internationals," Richards said.

The Scots lass made her debut in 1993-94 so the Aucklander transplanted from Timaru had a fair head start - and has only missed three potential tests during her time at the top.

"It'd be nice to play more games but geographically speaking it's hard work," Richards said.

Tours are costly exercises and, closer to home, the Australian Rugby Union does not have the Wallaroos functioning every season.

"We haven't played Australia [outside a World Cup] since 1998, the Samoans are just up and running so we've had to go to Canada the last couple of years to get some games," Richards said.

Canada has been a regular destination for Richards, who was part of New Zealand's triumphant Canada Cup sides in 1996, 2002 and last year.

And the North American novelty has far from worn off for a halfback turned first five-eighths whose longevity in a contact sport has been remarkable.

"I've just really enjoyed it, that's the key. There's a bit of determination, too. I've had my fair share of serious injuries and I suppose I'm stubborn as well."

When the prospect of retirement is raised, should she collect a third World Cup winners' medal on Monday, Richards gives nothing away.

"Who knows? I've always said I'll never make a big announcement ... I just won't turn up one day."

It's a thought that has not crossed her mind since that first run against the Netherlands 16 years ago, with her initial enthusiasm now invigorated by an ever-changing team dynamic.

"It's changed heaps. If you look at the way the All Blacks game has changed since 1990 to now, it's the same with the girls.

"When I first started the majority of the team had only been playing three years, max.

"Back then rugby was everyone's second sport, we'd been poached. I was a netballer, now we've got girls who have played rugby at intermediate and secondary school.

"We've got girls who have basically come all the way through school so they've got skills, better depth of knowledge."

A steady stream of new talent has also kept Richards' mind and body nimble.

"New faces and new game-plans ... changes are great," she said.

"There's some great talent coming through so it always inspires you to play your best."

And some of those future stars are very young. Rookie back Amy Williams was just four when Richards made her test debut.

So, does Richards perhaps find it a little difficult to keep up?

"Doubt it, mate. I do pretty good, I make sure that I'm fit. I do the same training as everyone else.

"I don't get hassled [by the younger girls], they wouldn't dare. As long as I keep up they're sweet."

Richards did just that against Samoa last week when she backed up Williams to score her "scabbiest" try ever.

"She was gutted, she hasn't scored a try yet and I had to walk about a metre over the line."

Richards often helps the young players. "I try to help if they need a hand but I don't know if you'd call me a mentor," she said. "I'm not a mum either."

Of course not. That could make her sound old.

- NZPA