We continue our 60 seconds with ... feature counting down to Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 in the company of Melissa Ruscoe, a member of the Black Ferns' World Cup winning side of 2006 and a former New Zealand soccer captain.
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Melissa, what was your first rugby experience?
Watching the early morning tests matches with Dad and having milo and cheese on toast. I was only about seven.
Your first match?
Canada in 2004.
What other sports have you played and to what level?
Sevens and football to New Zealand representative level.
When did you know that Rugby was what you wanted to be involved in?
I knew what rugby was when I was a kid at school, but didn't know women played rugby until I was at high school. I didn't start playing till 2001/02.
What part of training do you dread the most?
The days when it is really cold and muddy.
Do you have a pre-match routine or any superstitions?
No superstitions but my routine is I put all my gears out for the shower, etc.
What do you like to eat before a match?
Poached eggs on molenberg toast.
What do you like to do outside of rugby?
Rest and recover. Hang out with mates, coffee and walking the dogs.
Do you have any training tips for young women aspiring to make it in the game?
The games are the easier bits ... training to be at the best peak performance is the hardest.
What do you think Rugby has over other sports?
Competitive as hell on the field and great camaraderie off the field.
Who is going to win the Women's Rugby World Cup?
Black Ferns.
What does it mean to you to play for the New Zealand Black Ferns?
Absolute privilege and huge amount of pride to be able to wear the black jersey.
Who are your sporting idols and why?
Sandra Edge (Silver Ferns) and Susan Devoy (squash) - always competitive and professional on and off the court.
Your best sporting memory?
Any time New Zealand has won a medal at an Olympics, Commonwealth Games or World Championships in any sport.
Your favourite film and book?
Jerry Maguire (movie) and Chicken Soup for the Soul (book).
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