<\/p>\n
\nJorja Miller was back to try scoring ways at Dubai.
\nPhoto: Photosport \/ Jayne Russell\n<\/p>\n
The Black Ferns Sevens have their 2025\/26 World Rugby sevens campaign off to a winning start, overcoming France 24-21 in their opening game at Dubai.<\/p>\n
Without try scoring superstar Michaela Brake, pregnant with her first child, the NZ women jumped out to an early advantage through tries from Jorja Miller and Risi Pouri-Lane, who were last seen at the Rugby World Cup 15s tournament.<\/p>\n
The French closed the margin with a converted try before half-time, but Alena Saili answered for the Ferns after the break.<\/p>\n
Alycia Christiaens kept France close, but Miller put the contest beyond doubt with her second try, converted by debutant Braxton Sorenson-McGee.<\/p>\n
Teenage newcomer Mariama Tandiang also secured a try double after the final siren, but her team were still short of victory in a cut-throat tournament format contested by just eight teams, with the top two from each pool progressing to semi-finals.<\/p>\n
New Zealand face United States later on Saturday NZT, then Fiji early Sunday morning. The Fijians accounted for USA 19-7 in their opening encounter, while Australia were too strong for Japan, 31-7.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the All Blacks Sevens have defeated Great Britain in their opening game.<\/p>\n
The sides were locked at seven-all at half-time, and the match remained tight until the All Blacks sevens scored in the 14th minute to win 21-14.<\/p>\n