Black Ferns defeat France 81-12 in women's rugby test

The New Zealand Black Ferns secured a dominant 81-12 victory over the French women's XV rugby team in Hamilton. This match marks the first of a three-test series in New Zealand as part of the Women XV Global Series.

The defeat is the heaviest for the French side since a 109-0 loss to the Black Ferns in 1996. Facing significant absences from key players, France conceded thirteen tries to two. New Zealand's Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a scored four tries, while Alysha Leti-I'iga, Amy Du Plessis, and Maia Joseph each recorded two.

France managed to score two tries in the second half through Léa Murie and Amalia Bazola-Allières. Despite the scoreline, the match saw the international debuts of four French players: Yylona Avril, Marion Latonnelle, Lylou Pedussaud, and Charlie Gauyat. France expects the return of several veteran players for the remaining tests in the series.