New Zealand dominates France in rugby match

New Zealand's women's rugby team, the Black Ferns, defeated France 81-12 in the first match of the WXV Global Series in October, marking one of the most lopsided victories in French rugby history.

France acknowledges New Zealand's strength

Before the match, France's women's XV coach, François Ratier, admitted that New Zealand was the stronger team, a statement that proved true as France suffered their worst defeat in thirty years.

Black Ferns score early and often

The Black Ferns took control early, scoring three tries in the first twenty minutes—two by Joseph and one by Leti-L'iga. Only one of these was converted, giving them a 17-0 lead to start with.

First half sees New Zealand extend lead

The gap widened in the first half with converted tries by du Plessis and Olsen-Baker, and a try by Ponsony before halftime, leading to a 43-0 deficit in favor of New Zealand.

Second half continues New Zealand's dominance

In the second half, the Black Ferns continued their dominance with additional tries by Leti-L'iga, Tuliau, and Shyran, extending the lead to 60-0. France managed to score their first try of the match in the 59th minute, but it was not converted, making the score 60-5.

France scores late but cannot close the gap

The Black Ferns responded with tries by Demant and Shyran, increasing the lead to 81-5. France's Amalia Bazola-Allières scored a try in the final minutes, converted by Morgane Bourgeois, resulting in a final score of 81-12.

France had previously beaten a strong team

France had previously defeated Canada, a Top 4 world team, in September 2023. The current French team was younger, with an average age of 24 and four debutants in the French jersey.

Next match scheduled for Whangerei

The next match in the WXV Global Series is scheduled for next Saturday in Whangerei, where the teams will continue their competition.