PNG Orchids sweep aside France women (58-4)

Outpaced in the first half, France only got on the board after the break.

In front of their home crowd at the Santos National Football Stadium, the Orchids, semi-finalists at the last edition, opened the scoring in the 6th minute through Relna Wuruki-Hosea. Shellie Long, Fleur Ginn, Tia Molo, Naomi Kelly and Ivania Wong followed before the break, against a French side unable to match the pace.

Samarra’s consolation

After half-time, Stecy Bessiere sent Manon Samarra over for France’s only try. Papua New Guinea then took over again: Naomi Kelly finished with four tries, equalling the record for a PNG player in a single international, Ginn and Molo scored again, and Long closed out the game. Leila Bessahli made 29 tackles, the most for France.

New Zealand next Sunday

Alan Walsh’s France face the Kiwi Ferns on Sunday 25 October in Christchurch. The women’s World Cup features eight teams across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, until 15 November.