The Blacks Ferns v France rivalry began in dramatic fashion back in 1996, when the Black Ferns won the first meeting 109–0, but the balance of power has shifted significantly since then. Before the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup bronze final, the teams had met a total of 12 times, with New Zealand leading seven wins to five. The Black Ferns’ victory at Twickenham extended that overall advantage to eight wins from 13 Tests.
France recorded their first official victory over New Zealand in 2018 and established themselves as a major threat by winning twice at home in 2021, 38–13 in Pau and 29–7 in Castres. Those results set the stage for one of the defining matches in Black Ferns history: the 2022 Rugby World Cup semi-final at Eden Park.
New Zealand survived 25–24 after France missed a late penalty attempt, then defeated England in the final to win a sixth world title. France responded in the inaugural WXV 1 tournament in 2023, beating the Black Ferns 18–17 in Wellington. A year later, New Zealand reversed that result with a 39–14 victory in Vancouver.
Their most recent meeting came in the 2025 Rugby World Cup bronze final at Twickenham. France scored first through Bourdon Sansus, but the Black Ferns produced a devastating burst before halftime and eventually won 42–26. Sorensen-McGee crossed twice, while Demant, Brunt, Renee Holmes and Laura Bayfield also scored. France showed their resilience with three late tries through Champon, Vernier and Boulard.
Four Tests in 2026 will add a new dimension to a rivalry traditionally shaped by World Cups and one-off encounters. France’s forward power and defensive pressure will meet the Black Ferns’ speed, movement and attacking ambition across four different venues. With both teams building towards Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029, every Test offers an opportunity to gain an edge — and every meeting promises another chapter in one of the closest fought rivalries in women’s international rugby.