The bronze medal match at the Women`s Rugby World Cup rarely suffers from a lack of intensity. For two teams that have battled through a grueling tournament only to fall short of the final, it`s an opportunity to end on a high note, to claim a tangible reward for their efforts. And so it was when the mighty New Zealand Black Ferns faced a formidable French squad in what proved to be a high-octane spectacle of rugby.
A Fiery French Opening
The match kicked off with France demonstrating precisely why they are considered one of the world`s elite. Their early play was assertive, marked by crisp passes and powerful carries that saw them dominating territory and possession. The reward for their pressure came swiftly. Around the 10-minute mark, a beautifully orchestrated team movement culminated in scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus darting over the try line. It was a textbook example of fluid, incisive rugby, and it signaled France`s intent.
The early French try was a masterclass, a clear statement of intent. But the Black Ferns, like any truly great team, thrive on such challenges.
However, the Black Ferns, known for their resilience, were not about to let the French dictate terms for long. Their response was immediate and emphatic.
Black Ferns Roar Back: A First-Half Masterclass
New Zealand quickly found their rhythm, leveraging their formidable attacking prowess. Ruahei Demant ignited the Black Ferns` comeback, receiving a well-timed inside pass from Sylvia Brunt to slice through the defense and level the scores. It was a demonstration of their uncanny ability to strike from seemingly anywhere on the pitch.
The true turning point arrived just before the halftime whistle. The Black Ferns unleashed a relentless offensive, showcasing their characteristic blend of power and finesse. Sylvia Brunt, already instrumental in Demant`s try, powered her way over for a crucial score. What followed was arguably the try of the match: a mesmerizing sequence initiated by Player of the Year nominee Jorja Miller. Her incredible footwork and vision opened up space, feeding Brunt, who then delivered a pinpoint pass to fullback Renee Holmes, who completed the breathtaking movement.
Just when France hoped to regroup, New Zealand struck once more. A rapid-fire attack involving Braxton Sorenson-McGee and Miller set up lock Laura Bayfield for another try. By the time the halftime whistle blew, the scoreboard told a compelling story: New Zealand led 26-7. The Black Ferns had taken a commanding, almost unassailable, lead. Or so it seemed.
Second-Half Domination and a Glimmer of Hope
The second half began in much the same vein, with Braxton Sorenson-McGee stepping into the spotlight. Given space on the wing, her deceptive footwork left defenders grasping at thin air as she crossed for a superb solo try. Later, she would secure her double, making it her 11th try of the World Cup, after a sublime pass from Stacey Waaka. With the score at 39-7, the bronze medal appeared firmly in New Zealand`s grasp, and spectators might have been forgiven for settling back, assuming the contest was effectively over.
France`s Staggering Comeback Attempt
As the final quarter approached, France stirred. With a sense of urgency, they launched a furious assault, displaying the flair and determination that had characterized their tournament run. Flanker Léa Champon notched a brilliant individual try, demonstrating remarkable athleticism. Center Gabby Vernier then burst through the defense with an unstoppable surge, scoring directly under the posts. Not to be outdone, wing Emilie Boulard showcased her blistering pace with a rapid-fire dash down the flank.
In a breathtaking seven-minute period, France slashed the deficit to just 13 points, making the score 39-26. The tension was palpable. Suddenly, a match that seemed all but decided had a gripping, improbable twist, reminding everyone present (and watching) that the game isn`t over until the final whistle. The audacity of their comeback was a testament to their unwavering spirit, even if it might have come a touch too late.
The Final Word
Despite France`s heroic resurgence, the final word belonged to New Zealand. With the clock ticking down, Renee Holmes, who was deservedly named Player of the Match for her stellar performance, slotted a crucial penalty kick. This decisive three points pushed the score to 42-26, extinguishing any lingering French hopes and cementing New Zealand`s claim to the bronze medal.
It was a match that had everything: early French brilliance, a dominant Black Ferns performance, individual moments of magic, and a dramatic, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, French comeback. Both teams contributed to a thrilling spectacle, providing a fittingly dramatic conclusion to their World Cup campaigns. For the Black Ferns, the bronze medal was a hard-earned testament to their skill, resilience, and unwavering competitive spirit.
Rupert Caldwell