France v Black Ferns talking points: France struggle to find rhythm in WXV opener

The Black Ferns produced a strong and composed performance in Lyon to overcome a determined French side 28-14 in an entertaining WXV Global Series opener between the two teams.

A beautiful late-summer afternoon in Lyon, with the sun shining down 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 arrived in France with plenty of confidence, but this was a French side with something to prove. These two teams know each other well, having met in the bronze medal match at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, where New Zealand came out on top 42–26.

The Black Ferns had plenty to be positive about going into today’s game after defeating the Springbok Women 52–20 in Soweto last weekend. France had hoped to get their WXV Global Series campaign off to a winning start, with their most recent victory coming against Scotland, 22–14, in the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations on 25 April.

It was a competitive contest between the two sides, with the Black Ferns led France 14–7 at half-time. However, it was New Zealand who looked the better side throughout much 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 are the talking points of the game…

Black Ferns strike first

Mia Anderson powered through with a rampaging run, breaking through the French defence to gain some solid 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 react.

Superb deft handling from the supporting players saw Justine McGregor cross the whitewash to score New Zealand’s first try of the afternoon. Braxton Sorensen-McGee added the extras from out wide, giving the Black Ferns an early 7–0 lead.

Murie almost brings France right back into the contest

Lea Murie looked to have scored another try for France at the beginning of the second half following a thrilling back-and-forth passage of play. The wing showcased her outstanding footwork and blistering pace as she raced clear, but the try was chalked off for a forward pass.

Had it stood, France would have been within seven points, making the game even more finely 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 struggle to find rhythm

France found themselves under pressure early on and throughout much of the game, with several handling errors preventing them from building any real momentum. Promising attacking opportunities were brought to an end by loose passes and dropped balls, allowing the Black Ferns to capitalise on France’s mistakes and keep the hosts pinned back in their own territory.

New Zealand’s ability to turn those errors into attacking opportunities proved a key factor in their strong start and ultimately helped them secure the victory.

Crucial Liana Mikaele-Tu’u try seals the win

Just as France looked to have the upper hand through Lina Queyroi, the Black Ferns produced a huge shove at the scrum to win crucial front-foot ball.

Sylvia Brunt took the ball forward towards the line, with Anderson providing excellent support before Liana Mikaele-Tu’u powered through with a strong run to finish the move and score in the 71st minute and ultimately seal the win for the Black Ferns.

Overall, it was a performance that showcased the Black Ferns’ attacking creativity, physical strength and ability to respond under pressure. France can take plenty of positives from their fightback, but New Zealand’s strong start and composure in the crucial moments ultimately proved the difference.