1
Black Ferns star 'thought it was over' as French flyhalf lined up last-minute penalty
Centre Stacey Fluhler thought the Black Ferns’ World Cup dream “was over” as French flyhalf Caroline Drouin lined up a last-minute penalty attempt in Sunday’s semi-final.
ADVERTISEMENT
Drouin had opened the scoring earlier in the match with a penalty in the seventh minute, before France raced out to a commanding 10-nil lead in just over 20 minutes.
But the home crowd favourites stayed in the fight, and eventually took the lead for the first time in the Test through a Theresa Fitzpatrick try in the 57th minute.
While Drouin helped France make it a one-point game late in the contest, the World Cup dreams of two nations ultimately came down to one moment.
Unfortunately for Drouin and the French team, the star pivot pulled her shot wide left, and the Black Ferns’ desperation saw them hang on to a famous 25-24 win at Eden Park.
“I honestly thought it was over, I’ve got to be honest. I think (Caroline) Drouin is an amazing kicker and my heart breaks for her because she’s an awesome player,” Fluhler said after the semi-final.
“I’m pretty stoked that we managed to take the dub (win), and it took the whole 80 minutes.
“Such a close game but hey, that’s what makes the game of rugby fun and that’s why people love to watch it.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“We know what France can do. Last year showed they’re such a physical team, they’re well defended team, but we managed to exploit that.
The Black Ferns' @staceyfluhler on New Zealand's lucky escape vs France in their Rugby World Cup 2021 semi final. #RWC2021 pic.twitter.com/W4eJV8l5vD
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 5, 2022
“I’m just so proud that we managed to pull through. It took the whole 23 of us.
“It takes everyone and we can be proud of those efforts.”
It took New Zealand just about 35 minutes to cross for their opening try of the Test, with Fluhler reaping the rewards of a brilliant cut-out pass from captain Ruahei Demant.
The Olympic gold medallist, and the 2017 Rugby World Cup winner, starred alongside fellow Sevens regulars Portia Woodman and Ruby Tui.
ADVERTISEMENT
“It just makes it more fun. We know the connections we have with one another,” she said.
“That takes probably a little bit more pressure off us because we just run off each other and that’s fun.
“Playing with your best mates out on the field, whether that’s fifteens, whether that’s Sevens, I couldn’t dream of anything better than that.”
In the earlier semi-final, World No. 1 England survived a scare from Canada as they booked their spot in next weekend’s final at Eden Park.
Heartbreak for France, and relief for NZ, as both sides played out a semi-final thriller in Auckland. #rwc2021 https://t.co/kHUeeITJ1D
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 5, 2022
The Red Roses ran out to an early 12-nil lead, before Canada struck back to even the scores after tries to Karen Paquin and Alysha Corrigan.
While Canada never managed to take the lead, England were put under some genuine pressure in the second half as Vickii Cornborough was sent to the sin bin.
But the 26-19 win sees extend England extend their winning streak to 30-Test matches, and sets up a blockbuster against the reigning World Cup champions.
“I can’t wait. We actually got to watch the first half. Canada did well against England, it was so tight at half-time,” Fluhler said.
“We’ve done a bit of learning so far and England are a tough, tough team. We know that. They’re on a 30-game win streak so we want to break that.
“They’re gonna come out all guns firing, it’s a final. But hopefully the home crowd advantage can bring us home.”
Comments on RugbyPass
pure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
1 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
25 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
25 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
25 Go to commentsHas virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
11 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
3 Go to comments