Sylvia Brunt: 'I think we're more connected than we've ever been'

Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt believes this Black Ferns team is “as connected as we’ve ever been”, after back-to-back wins over fourth-ranked France.

Brunt was part of the Black Ferns’ strong final 20-minute performance, helped by an impressive group of substitutes who changed the game at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei.

Whitney Hansen’s side, after beating France 81-12 in Hamilton last weekend, came into the second Test match of three as heavy favourites against an understrength France, but they struggled to get going early.

The visitors pinned the Black Ferns in their half during the opening quarter, and deservedly opened the scoring in the fifth minute. It wasn’t until the 14th minute that the Black Ferns hit back, through a bullet pass from Tara Turner which fell into the hands of Mererangi Paul.

Hansen’s Black Ferns finished the game exceptionally, after injecting the likes of Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Vicki Rose-Green, and Hannah King into the contest.

Speaking to reporters post-match in Whangarei, Brunt said she’s been impressed with the connection across the whole of 2026 in the Black Ferns.

“In terms of our mindset, I think throughout this whole season, or even across all the other seasons, our mental game has really grown,” Brunt said in Whangarei.

“I think we’re more connected than we’ve ever been, and that’s kind of really exciting because I’m just imagining us this time next year going forward.

“I love our team, and I know we all work hard for each other, and it’s just making sure our top two inches that we’re looking after that as well.”

The 38-Test Black Ferns midfielder explained that personally, it’s mostly been about ensuring she’s constantly backing herself, rather than going into her shell.

“I guess for me, it would have to be not going into my shell, not playing into the system, and just playing what’s in front of me.

“I think that’s something that I just want to work on mentally. Just backing myself a bit more, but also making good decisions on both sides of the ball.

“I do make sure I enjoy myself still. I‘ve been in it for a little bit now since I was young, but I’m still enjoying it now, and just making sure of that.”

Brunt made it clear the Black Ferns were expecting a bounce-back from France, especially after the Hamilton drubbing.

“Definitely, we knew it.

“We knew that they had players coming in, and our focus was just on our game to start, as if it was nil-all, to respect them always because that’s the best thing we can do.

“The physicality, man, there are some big hits and big carries, and I know that there are going to be a lot of sore bodies after this match.”