France hold Black Ferns for an hour before late fade

France women lost 31-12 to New Zealand in Whangarei on Saturday in the second Test of the WXV Global Series.

A week after the 81-12 defeat in Hamilton, France women looked a different side in Whangarei on Saturday. Trailing just 14-12 at the start of the final quarter, they faded late against New Zealand and lost 31-12 in the second Test of the WXV Global Series.

Twice in front

With eight changes to the starting line-up, François Ratier’s side opened the scoring in the 5th minute through Mathilde Lazarko from a driving maul. Mererangi Paul replied after a long New Zealand phase, converted by Braxton Sorensen-McGee (7-5). France went back in front when Carla Arbez’s kick found Anaïs Grando, who raced over before her fly-half added the extras (12-7). Shyrah Tuliau Tua’a put the Black Ferns back ahead on the half-hour (14-12), the half-time score.

France dominated after the break without scoring. In the 56th minute, Ambre Mwayembe’s try was ruled out by the TMO. Amarante Sititi then gave the hosts breathing space (19-12, 67th), before Sorensen-McGee and Paul, with her second try, stretched the lead within a few minutes.

Three players hurt at the shoulder

The margin shrank from 69 points to 19 in seven days, but the run goes on. Since their 18-17 win in New Zealand in October 2023, France have lost all five meetings with the Black Ferns, including a 28-14 home defeat on 12 September. This second loss hands New Zealand the three-Test series.

“Last week we completely missed the boat and we didn’t want to repeat a match like that this week,” said Gabrielle Vernier, as reported by Vibrez Rugby. The centre went off in the 44th minute. Like Teani Feleu and Axelle Berthoumieu, she sustained a shoulder knock, according to L’Equipe. The final Test of the tour is scheduled for Saturday 31 October in Christchurch.