Black Ferns Deliver Historic 81-12 Defeat to France

The French women's rugby team faced a devastating loss on October 17, 2026, falling 81-12 to the New Zealand Black Ferns at FMG Stadium in Hamilton. This result marks one of the most significant defeats for the French side in decades, as the hosts launched their WXV Global Series campaign with an overwhelming display of offensive power.

From the opening minute, New Zealand dictated the pace of the game. The Black Ferns secured a commanding 43-0 lead by halftime, leaving the visitors struggling to find a foothold. The home side’s clinical execution was highlighted by their ability to convert 20 entries into the French 22-meter zone into points, maintaining high intensity throughout the full 80 minutes.

New Zealand’s attack was spearheaded by a standout performance from winger Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a, who crossed the try line four times. Other key contributors included Maia Joseph, Amy du Plessis, and Ayesha Leti-I'iga, who each secured multiple tries. The Black Ferns' tactical shift toward fundamental core skills—such as clean ball retention and winning collisions—proved highly effective against a French squad that struggled with set-piece consistency and defensive pressure.

France managed to put points on the board in the second half through tries from Léa Murie and Amalia Bazola Allieres, but these efforts were insufficient to stem the tide of the New Zealand onslaught. The visitors faced significant challenges in maintaining possession, recording 103 fewer carries than their opponents and struggling to disrupt the Black Ferns' momentum at the breakdown.

This match serves as the first of a three-Test series between the two nations. As the series moves to Whangārei and Christchurch, the French team faces the difficult task of regrouping after this historic setback. For the Black Ferns, the victory establishes a formidable standard for the remainder of the international window.