New Zealand Completes Series Sweep Against France With 36-7 Victory in Christchurch
The New Zealand Black Ferns concluded their 2024 test season with a 36-7 victory over France at Christchurch, finishing the year with 10 wins from 11 matches, according to rnz.co.nz. The opening try arrived through an overhead no-look pass from No. 8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u that set up wing Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a. France responded before halftime when hooker Maïlys Mailagi scored from close range, leaving the score at 7-5. Braxton Sorenson-McGee added a converted try in the first half to become the first Black Ferns player to reach 100 points in a calendar year.
Second-Half Tries Secure Dominant Scoreline
Tuliau-Tua’a opened the second-half scoring in the corner following passing from prop Chryss Viliko. Replacement prop Maddi Robinson scored her first test try soon after. Tuliau-Tua’a received a yellow card for a high tackle, leaving New Zealand shorthanded temporarily, but the team continued to score. Replacement Mererangi Paul added a try, and hooker Vici-Rose Green crossed the try line in the closing minutes to secure the 36-7 win.
Post-Match Accolades and Season Record
Following the match, flanker Elinor-Plum King received the World Rugby XVs Breakthrough Player of the Year award, and loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker was named Player of the Year. New Zealand finished 2024 with 10 victories across 11 tests, including four wins against France. Their only loss of the year came against world champions and top-ranked England.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the match take place?
The match took place in Christchurch on a date concluding the 2024 international test window for the Black Ferns.
Who scored New Zealand’s milestone 100th point of the calendar year?
Fullback Braxton Sorenson-McGee reached the milestone by scoring and converting her second try of the match in the first half.
Which team handed New Zealand their only defeat of 2024?
World champions and world No. 1 England handed the Black Ferns their sole loss of the year.
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