France swept aside 81-12 by the Black Ferns

Missing several first-choice players, François Ratier’s side were never in it.

Maia Joseph opened the scoring in the 1st minute and had a second try by the 7th. Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Amy Du Plessis twice, Kaipo Olsen-Baker and captain Georgia Ponsonby took the score to 43-0 at the break. After half-time, Leti-I’iga scored again, Ruahei Demant crossed and 20-year-old Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a scored four tries.

Two consolation tries

France only entered New Zealand’s 22 for the first time in the 58th minute. Lea Murie scored straight away from a Lina Queyroi kick (58th), and Amalia Bazola Allieres added a second try in the 75th, converted by Morgane Bourgeois.

A series off to a bad start

Without Manae Feleu, Pauline Bourdon Sansus and Gabrielle Vernier among others, France fielded a young side with four debutants. In our data, they now have three wins in eight games against the Black Ferns since 2020, the last in October 2023 in Wellington (18-17). The teams meet again on 24 and 31 October.