Home soil, unfinished business: The Black Ferns are back
There is something different about rugby at home. The familiar surroundings, the black jerseys in the stands and the unmistakable feeling that, for 80 minutes, an entire country is pulling in the same direction.
For the Black Ferns, that feeling returns this weekend.
After a month on the road, New Zealand will welcome France to Hamilton for the first of three Tests on Saturday October 10 in the inaugural WXV Global Series home leg. It is a return to familiar territory, but not an invitation to settle into comfort. France have proved themselves among the Black Ferns’ most formidable opponents, and the next three weeks offer little room for complacency.
The rivalry has rarely lacked drama. From France’s narrow 18-17 victory in Wellington in 2023 to New Zealand’s one-point World Cup semi-final triumph in 2022, these encounters have become synonymous with fine margins and fierce competition. More recently, the Black Ferns claimed a 42-26 win in the 2025 World Cup bronze medal match, ensuring there is fresh history between the sides to draw upon.
The opening three rounds of this year’s WXV campaign have already offered a reminder of New Zealand’s attacking potential. A 28-24 victory over France in Lyon was followed by a commanding 66-14 win against Scotland. England, however, provided a different test, edging the Black Ferns 26-19 at Twickenham in a contest decided by a late try.
That defeat will sting, but it also offers valuable lessons. Against the world champions, New Zealand showed they could remain competitive in a high-pressure environment, even as the result slipped away in the closing stages.
WATCH: Highlights from the Black Ferns’ 28-24 victory over France in Lyon
Now, the challenge is to translate those experiences into a home campaign that delivers both results and momentum.
There will be individual storylines to follow, too. Nineteen-year-old Braxton Sorensen-McGee continues to offer an exciting attacking threat, while the return of midfielder Grace Brooker adds experience and leadership to the squad. Captain Ruahei Demant’s progress after a calf injury will also be closely watched as New Zealand prepare for the opening Test.
Hamilton provides the starting point, before the series moves north to Whangārei and south to Christchurch. Three different communities will have the opportunity to welcome the team, creating a nationwide celebration of the game while putting the Black Ferns under the spotlight.
For the players, home advantage is more than a change of scenery. It is an opportunity to reconnect with supporters, build confidence and demonstrate what this group can achieve as the next World Cup cycle takes shape.
France will arrive with their own ambitions, armed with a powerful forward pack and the ability to punish mistakes. Expect physicality at the breakdown, pressure at set piece and little separation between the sides.
The Black Ferns have already shown flashes of brilliance on their travels. Now, with home support behind them, the question is whether they can turn promise into consistency.
The stage is set in Hamilton. The rivalry resumes, and New Zealand have unfinished business. Grab your tickets HERE.
