Black Ferns withstand French fightback to win historic 150th Test

In front of a packed Semenoff Stadium, France delivered a vastly improved performance against the Black Ferns, but New Zealand’s attacking firepower proved decisive as the hosts claimed a 31–12 victory in their historic 150th Test.

After last week’s 81–12 defeat in Hamilton, Les Bleues arrived in Whangārei with renewed determination, pushing the hosts throughout a fiercely contested first half before the Black Ferns pulled away in the closing stages.

France made their intentions clear from kick-off, applying early pressure and forcing New Zealand to work hard for every opportunity. Their persistence paid off inside the opening 10 minutes when Mathilde Lazarko crashed over from a powerful driving maul. Carla Arbez was unable to add the extras, but France had made the perfect start.

Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v France | 2026, WXV (Whangārei)

The Black Ferns struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages, with France’s defensive intensity disrupting their attacking flow. However, the hosts began to find space through the hands, with Braxton Sorensen-McGee threatening to break through the French defence before New Zealand regrouped.

A slick attacking move eventually created the opening Mererangi Paul needed, with the winger crossing the line to get the hosts on the board. Sorensen-McGee converted to edge the Black Ferns out in front. 

France refused to be intimidated, continuing to move the ball across the field in search of gaps in the New Zealand defence. Winger Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a produced a crucial tackle to dislodge possession and halt one promising attack, but the visitors soon found another way through.

Working the ball towards the outside channel, France created the space for Anaïs Grando to cross the whitewash. Arbez added the conversion to restore the visitors’ lead.

With the hosts searching for a response, New Zealand once again showed their ability to build an attack collectively. The ball moved through the hands before Tuliau-Tua’a found space out wide, diving over for her first try of the afternoon. Sorensen-McGee converted to give the Black Ferns a narrow advantage.

Despite France’s impressive start, New Zealand headed into the break with a 14–12 lead, leaving the contest finely poised.

Both sides emerged for the second half with renewed intent, and the Black Ferns looked poised to strike early. However, a crucial French turnover shifted the momentum, with the visitors’ improved set piece continuing to put the hosts under pressure.

France came agonisingly close to reclaiming the lead after working the ball across the pitch and threatening the New Zealand line. A chip ahead appeared to offer another scoring opportunity, but the bounce failed to favour the visitors.

A New Zealand knock-on then handed France a scrum five metres from the line. Returning to the side, Ambre Mwayembe appeared to have powered over from close range, only for the try to be ruled out following a television match official review. Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant produced a superb defensive effort to get underneath the ball and hold it up.

The reprieve proved pivotal. New Zealand regained momentum and stretched the French defence, with Maia Joseph delivering a wide pass that sent Amarante Sititi racing over the line to extend the hosts’ advantage. Sorensen-McGee’s conversion drifted wide, leaving the score at 19–12.

Then came the moment that ignited Semenoff Stadium.

Collecting the ball deep inside her own half, Braxton Sorensen-McGee produced a remarkable solo effort, using a perfectly timed goose step to wrong-foot the French defence before accelerating towards the corner. The 19-year-old finished brilliantly, then converted her own try to put New Zealand firmly in control.

With confidence surging, the Black Ferns struck again. Slick handling stretched France across the field, allowing Paul to dive over in the corner for her second try of the afternoon. Sorensen-McGee’s conversion fell short, but New Zealand had taken control of the contest.

France continued to fight despite running out of replacements, leaving the visitors at a numerical disadvantage. The Black Ferns looked to capitalise, threatening from a driving maul before a turnover briefly offered France a chance to break away. A penalty halted the escape, and Demant appeared to have added another try before a knock-on brought the hosts back for a scrum.

Refusing to go quietly, France pushed forward in the closing moments, but another loss of control at the breakdown ended their hopes of a late consolation.

FULL TIME: Black Ferns 31–12 France.

For France, the defeat will sting, but their performance represented a significant step forward from Hamilton. Their defensive pressure, improved set piece and willingness to attack troubled New Zealand for long periods, although they ultimately struggled to convert that pressure into points.

For the Black Ferns, the victory was a fitting result for a landmark occasion, with Sorensen-McGee’s brilliance and Paul’s finishing helping the hosts pull away when it mattered most.

With one Test remaining in Christchurch, France have shown they can make life uncomfortable for the world champions. The final meeting promises another compelling contest and one that should not be missed.