Black Ferns Triumph Over France to Secure Third Place

The New Zealand Black Ferns claimed third place at the Rugby World Cup, decisively defeating France with a score of 32-29 in a match held on October 28, 2023. Despite being the reigning champions and having won the tournament six times, the Black Ferns faced disappointment earlier in the competition when they were unexpectedly eliminated by Canada in the semi-finals.

The match began with France taking an early lead through a try by Pauline Bourdon. However, New Zealand quickly asserted their dominance. A series of well-executed tries from Ruahei Demant, Silvia Brunt, Renee Holmes, and Laura Bayfield led to a commanding halftime score of 26-7 in favor of the Black Ferns.

The second half saw 18-year-old winger Braxton Sorensen-McGee extend New Zealand’s lead with two additional tries, bringing her tournament total to 11. Despite this, France mounted a spirited comeback, scoring three tries in quick succession by Lea Champon, Gaby Vernier, and Emilie Boulard. This flurry of activity made for a tense conclusion to the match, highlighting the competitive nature of the encounter.

The victory for the Black Ferns serves as a bittersweet consolation following their earlier defeat. The final match of the tournament is set to feature England and Canada, with expectations high as it is anticipated to draw a record crowd of 82,000 fans, marking a historic moment for women’s rugby.

New Zealand’s performance in this third-place playoff showcases their resilience and skill, reaffirming their status as a formidable force in women’s rugby. While the Black Ferns will leave this tournament with mixed emotions, they can take pride in their ability to bounce back and secure a notable win against a strong French side.