Brunt hails Black Ferns' mental growth after back-to-back wins over France

Sylvia Brunt has declared the Black Ferns are ‘more connected than we’ve ever been’ after New Zealand secured back-to-back Test wins over fourth-ranked France at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei, completing the second match of a three-Test series.

Whitney Hansen’s side arrived as heavy favourites following an 81-12 demolition of France in Hamilton the previous weekend, but they were made to work hard in the early stages. The visitors pinned the Black Ferns in their own half during the opening quarter and opened the scoring in the fifth minute. New Zealand hit back through a bullet pass from Tara Turner that found Mererangi Paul in the 14th minute, and the hosts ultimately finished the game strongly after introducing substitutes Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Vicki Rose-Green, and Hannah King.

Speaking to reporters post-match, the 38-Test midfielder reflected on a year of genuine growth across the squad.

“In terms of our mindset, I think throughout this whole season, or even across all the other seasons, our mental game has really grown,” Brunt said. “I think we’re more connected than we’ve ever been, and that’s kind of really exciting because I’m just imagining us this time next year going forward.”

On a personal level, Brunt said her focus has been on trusting her instincts rather than retreating into conservative play.

“I guess for me, it would have to be not going into my shell, not playing into the system, and just playing what’s in front of me,” she said. “I think that’s something that I just want to work on mentally — just backing myself a bit more, but also making good decisions on both sides of the ball.”

Brunt acknowledged the Black Ferns had fully expected a sterner examination from France after the Hamilton result, and said the physicality of the contest left its mark.

“Definitely, we knew it. We knew that they had players coming in, and our focus was just on our game to start, as if it was nil-all, to respect them always because that’s the best thing we can do. The physicality, man — there are some big hits and big carries, and I know that there are going to be a lot of sore bodies after this match.”

The two sides meet again in the third and final Test of the series.