In a captivating display of skill, strategy, and sheer grit, New Zealand`s legendary Black Ferns secured the bronze medal at the Women`s Rugby World Cup, triumphing over a valiant French side, Les Bleues, in a 42-26 spectacle. While not the gold they had perhaps envisioned, this hard-fought victory underscored the Black Ferns` enduring class and provided a memorable conclusion to their tournament journey. The battle for third place proved to be anything but a mere formality, delivering high-octane rugby that thrilled fans worldwide.
The French Opening Gambit
The match, held to determine the third-best team in the world, kicked off with an immediate statement of intent from France. Known for their attacking flair and formidable physicality, Les Bleues wasted no time in asserting their dominance, launching a series of incisive attacks that kept the Black Ferns` defense on its toes. Their persistence paid off early, around the 10-minute mark, when scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus orchestrated and finished a brilliant team try. A flowing sequence of precise passes and dynamic runs after contact culminated in Sansus diving over the line, signaling that France was unequivocally here to compete for every inch.
New Zealand`s Resilient Response
However, underestimating the Black Ferns is a mistake rarely unpunished. The reigning champions, despite falling behind, quickly found their rhythm, demonstrating why they are considered one of the sport`s titans. Their response was swift and emphatic. A powerful surge saw Ruahei Demant, receiving a perfectly timed inside pass from the influential Sylvia Brunt, break through the French defense to level the scores. It was a testament to New Zealand`s ability to absorb pressure and immediately hit back with their own potent offensive, turning defense into attack with clinical precision.
A Halftime Deluge: Black Ferns Take Control
The tide turned decisively in the moments leading up to halftime, as the Black Ferns unleashed a torrent of tries that left France reeling. Sylvia Brunt, already instrumental in Demant`s try, showcased her individual power by crashing over for a try of her own. This was merely the prelude to what many observers deemed the try of the match. A move initiated by the masterful Jorja Miller, a nominee for player of the year, saw her dazzling footwork and vision create space. Miller`s pass found Brunt, who then delivered an exquisite offload to fullback Renee Holmes, who finished with aplomb. Just before the whistle, a rapid-fire attack involving Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Miller once again set up lock Laura Bayfield for another score. By the interval, New Zealand had stormed to a commanding 26-7 lead, leaving Les Bleues with a significant mountain to climb and much to ponder.
Sorensen-McGee`s Solo Spectacle
The second half began much as the first ended, with New Zealand maintaining their momentum and proving relentless in their attack. Braxton Sorensen-McGee emerged as a dominant force, particularly on the wing. Gifted with space, she executed a deceptive dummy, leaving defenders grasping at air as she carved a solo path to the try line. Her individual brilliance was a sight to behold, further extending the Black Ferns` already substantial lead with a flair for the dramatic.
Not content with a single contribution, Sorensen-McGee soon completed her brace. Capitalizing on a perfectly weighted pass from Stacey Waaka, she broke free for a one-on-one opportunity, securing her 11th try of the World Cup campaign. The scoreboard now read a seemingly insurmountable 39-7, and the bronze medal appeared firmly in New Zealand`s grasp. Yet, as with any major rugby fixture, the drama wasn`t quite over; the French spirit, it turned out, was not yet broken.
France`s Valiant Late Surge
To their immense credit, France refused to capitulate. The final quarter of the match saw Les Bleues ignite a spirited comeback, reminding everyone of their pedigree and fighting heart. Flanker Léa Champon scored a beautiful individual try, showcasing her predatory instincts and pace. Centre Gabin Vernier then powered through under the posts with a formidable run, demonstrating French physicality and directness. Finally, winger Emilie Boulard exploited space on the flank with a blistering sprint, adding another score. With just seven minutes remaining, France had miraculously narrowed the deficit to 39-26, injecting a thrilling, if ultimately short-lived, sense of jeopardy back into the contest. For a moment, the prospect of an incredible turnaround hung in the air.
The Final Word: Holmes Seals the Deal
Despite France`s late heroics, New Zealand had the final say, ensuring their hard-earned lead would not be completely eroded. Player of the Match, Renee Holmes, coolly slotted a conversion from a penalty, extending New Zealand`s lead and quashing any lingering French hopes. This final act of precision settled the nerves and cemented the scoreboard. The final whistle blew, confirming the Black Ferns` 42-26 victory and their rightful place on the World Cup podium.
This bronze medal encounter was far from a mere consolation match; it was a testament to the high standards and fierce competition within women`s rugby. Both teams delivered a thrilling spectacle, showcasing incredible athleticism, tactical prowess, and unwavering spirit. For the Black Ferns, it was a proud finish to a challenging tournament, a reminder that even when the ultimate prize eludes them, their legacy of excellence remains intact. And for fans, it was a superb demonstration of why women`s rugby continues to captivate and inspire, proving that every medal, hard-won, tells a compelling story.
Gareth Fenton