![\"Mererangi](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/mererangi-paul-in-action-in-the-second-test-against-france-CJQ5XO2ZEJH7RAQJQH7GI6KPX4.png\")
<\/p>\nThe Black Ferns have needed three late tries to see off France 31-12 in the second test in Whangarei – three weeks after crushing the same opponents 81-12.<\/p>\n
The vastly improved tourists scored the opening try and trailed just 14-12 at halftime – a scoreline that remained the same until the 67-minute mark before New Zealand cut loose with tries to Amarante Sititi, Braxton Sorenson-McGee and Mererangi Paul, who completed a double.<\/p>\n
The highlight was Sorenson-McGee’s brilliant 60m solo try – delivering a reminder of the Black Ferns’ scintillating attack in the opening match of the three-Test series in Hamilton.<\/p>\n
Nothing came as easily this time for the home side, who were guilty of basic mistakes and took most of the game to quell a spirited display from the stung French.<\/p>\n
Both teams had changed about half of their starting lineups from game one but it was France who adapted better, unleashing a much more combative display up front and better decision-making out wide.<\/p>\n
Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant told Sky Sport her team were braced for a much tougher contest.<\/p>\n
“We knew that today was going to be a challenge and a really different game to seven days ago in Kirikiriroa,” she said.<\/p>\n
“I thought our finishers added awesome impact from the bench, to change the game and learn from the way we’d played the game earlier.<\/p>\n
“Full credit to the French, the score definitely doesn’t reflect how hard it was. I know there’s a few sore bodies – for our girls especially.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Mererangi Paul in action in the second test against France. (Source: Photosport)<\/p>\n
French hooker Mathilde Lazarko opened the scoring from a lineout drive before Paul’s first try, after an impressive methodical New Zealand phase buildup.<\/p>\n
France wing Anais Grando had her team back in front after collecting a cross-kick to score but New Zealand responded again when wing Shyrah Tuiliau-Tua’a was on the end of the chain – adding a try to the four she scored a week earlier.<\/p>\n
A key moment came in the 56th minute when Demant prevented Ambre Mwayembe from scoring after the impressive French forward powered over the tryline.<\/p>\n
It was New Zealand’s ninth win from 10 matches this year – the best record of any team after world champions England suffered a 31-22 loss to Canada earlier on Saturday to notch a second straight defeat against the Canadians.<\/p>\n
The Black Ferns brought up 150 tests in their history, with win number 124 giving them an all-time winning record of 83 percent.<\/p>\n
The series finale is in Christchurch next weekend.<\/p>\n