Black Ferns target clinical edge as France arrive in Hamilton for WXV Global Series opener

New Zealand open their home WXV Global Series campaign against France in Hamilton on Saturday, with the Black Ferns determined to sharpen the clinical edge that cost them against England at Twickenham in September.

The Black Ferns pushed the 2025 Rugby World Cup champions to the brink, only to fall short when Amy du Plessis’s pass was intercepted by Zoe Harrison with the score level at 19-19 and the clock in the red. Mererangi Paul had scored in the 70th minute to tie the match, and du Plessis had created that opportunity — but England’s defensive dominance, illustrated by 188 more tackles than their opponents, ultimately told.

“Clinical. We’ve had that drilled into us,” Paul told RugbyPass. “We know what our individual role is, how to do it, so it’s up to us to nail it. If we all get it right as individuals, we’ll nail it as a team.”

Paul, who has scored 20 tries in 21 Tests and is widely regarded as one of the best finishers in the women’s game, was again central to New Zealand’s WXV Global Series opener in Lyon, touching down in the 46th minute from a textbook lineout drive initiated by Georgia Ponsonby and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u. The Black Ferns won that match 28-14, playing a territory-based game that rewarded their forward dominance.

“The forwards were great — driving mauls, stopping mauls, putting pressure on,” Paul said. “I thought the forwards were going to go all the way on my try. Instead, the ball came out, and Brax [Braxton Sorenson-McGee] popped it to me and I got over in the corner.”

France arrive in Hamilton having shown both vulnerability and resilience in recent weeks. Against Australia in Aix-en-Provence, they were reduced to seven players at one stage after four cards in 20 minutes — including a 20-minute red for Ambre Mwayembe and a straight red for Chloe Correa for eye-gouging — yet still recovered from 19-0 down to win 29-26, with fullback Emilie Boulard, the 2021 World Rugby Try of the Year Award winner, sparking the comeback.

France then silenced Canada, who had held England to a 26-26 draw, with a disciplined defensive display to win 21-5. Boulard scored twice, and Charlotte Escudero made 21 tackles before the lock was ruled out of the New Zealand tour.

“We’ve previewed France. They’re fast and unpredictable. You have to be physical and on edge,” Paul said — a warning that the Black Ferns are taking nothing for granted despite their Lyon victory.