women
international women
The Black Ferns produced a strong and composed performance in Lyon to defeat a determined French side 28-14 in an entertaining game. WXV Global Series opener between the two teams.
A beautiful late summer afternoon in Lyon, with the sun shining on the Matmut Stade de Gerland, and a large, energetic crowd ready for what promised to be a fascinating contest between these two top sides.
The black ferns have arrived France with plenty of confidence, but this was a French side with something to prove. These two teams know each other well because they met in the women’s bronze medal match Rugby World Cup 2025, where New Zealand came out on top 42–26.
The Black Ferns had plenty of positives going into today’s game after beating the Springbok Women 52–20 in Soweto last weekend. France were hoping to get their WXV Global Series campaign off to a winning start, with their latest victory coming against Scotland, 22–14, in the 2026 Guinness Women’s Competition. Six Nations April 25.
It was a competitive contest between the two sides, with the Black Ferns leading France 14-7 at half-time. However, it was New Zealand who looked the better for most of the game, with France’s handling errors proving costly and preventing them from building sustained pressure. The final score was 28-14 to New Zealand.
Here’s what’s being said in the game…
Black Ferns bat first
Mia Anderson broke through with a blistering run, breaking through the French defense to gain firm ground. Anderson then found Amy du Plessis with an offload, and although she was eventually brought down, the Black Ferns’ support runners were quick to respond.
Great deft handling by the supporting players saw Justine McGregor put in the white to score New Zealand’s first try of the afternoon. Braxton Sorensen-McGee added the extras from the field goal, giving the Black Ferns an early 7-0 lead.
Murie almost brings France back into the contest
Lea Murie looked set to score another try for France early in the second half after some thrilling back and forth play. The winger showed her excellent footwork and quick pace as she ran clear, but the effort was denied for a forward pass.
If so, France would have been within seven points, which would have made the game even more poised at the start of the second half. Despite that disappointment, Murie continued to demonstrate why her speed and ability to beat defenders made her such a dangerous threat on the wing throughout the game.
France struggling to find rhythm
France found themselves under pressure early and for most of the game, with several handling errors preventing them from building any real momentum. Promising attacking opportunities were brought to an end by loose passing and dropped balls, allowing the Black Ferns to capitalize on French errors and keep the hosts in their own territory.
New Zealand’s ability to turn those mistakes into attacking opportunities proved to be a key factor in their strong start and ultimately helped them secure victory.
Liana Mikaela-Tuu’s key try sealed the win
Just as France looked to have the upper hand through Lina Queyroi, the Black Ferns made a huge tackle in the scrum to win the crucial ball on the front foot.
Sylvia Brunt drove the ball forward towards the line and Anderson provided excellent support before Liana Mikaele-Tu’u finished the move with a powerful run to score in the 71st minute to seal the win for the Black Ferns in the end.
All in all, it was a performance that showcased the Black Ferns’ attacking creativity, physicality and ability to react under pressure. France can take many positives from their struggle, but New Zealand’s strong start and composure at key moments proved the difference in the end.
