New Zealand complete France clean sweep

WXV WRAP: The inaugural WXV Global Series drew to a close following 38 fixtures across two months of international rugby in September and October. The newly evolved competition format represents an important step in strengthening the global women’s rugby calendar, driving competitiveness and creating more international fixtures as teams build towards Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.

England bounced back from back-to-back defeats against Canada with a comfortable and controlled victory over the USA at Sports Illustrated Stadium in the opening match of the final weekend of games.

New Zealand then completed a clean sweep over France with a solid win at Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium, Wales got the better of Japan in Kumagaya City, and Ireland took advantage of a late numerical advantage to pull away from a determined South Africa at Athlone Sports Stadium.

New Zealand 36 – 7 France

Shyrah Tuliau Tua’a and Braxton Sorensen-McGee both scored in the first quarter, as the Black Ferns staged a demonstration of clinical rugby in Christchurch.

Winger Tuliau Tua’a still had plenty of work to do in the 12th minute when she collected a crossfield kick from captain Ruahei Demant, but had the pace and power to reach the line. And full-back Sorensen-McGee, after fine work from her forwards, picked up a flat pass from scrum-half Maia Joseph to go over six minutes later.

As it had been in Whangārei last weekend, efficiency in scoring areas was the crucial difference between the two sides. France had their chances – they were held-up over the New Zealand line in the third minute, and Anais Grando knocked on with only the whitewash to beat late on, as they spent plenty of time in their hosts’ 22 in both halves.

But they were again unable to turn their pressure into points until the closing seconds of the first period until another forward drive got them to within inches, allowing Mailys Mailagi to simply put the ball over the line for what would be their only score of the game.

The second half ran to much the same tune, with New Zealand making the most of their chances, while France could not. Tuliau Tua’a added a second to her tally, profiting from a delightful long ball over the top from Chryss Viliko 10 minutes into the second half. Replacement Maddi Robinson gave the hosts some breathing space shortly before the hour.

Double try-scorer Tuliau Tua’a was sin-binned for a high tackle a few minutes later. The temporary numerical disadvantage couldn’t stop the Black Ferns – Mererangi Paul went over in the corner in the 67th minute after Amy du Plessis and Demant had picked open the French defence.

Three minutes from time, replacement hooker Vici-Rose Green took New Zealand past 30 points for the third time in as many matches on the home-leg of their WXV Global Series matches.

Japan 5 – 29 Wales

Amy Williams scored twice as Wales completed the double over Japan to end their WXV Global Series campaign on a strong note and continue their late resurgence in form after a difficult run over the past 14 months.

Nel Metcalfe, Kelsey Jones, and Williams all went over for Sean Lynn’s side in the first half at Kumagaya City.

The game was only six minutes in when Metcalfe was handed a run-in by her team-mates after front-rowers Sisilia Tuipulotu and Jones had got close.

After Japan had narrowed the gap in the 14th minute – hooker Moe Nagaoka benefiting from a poor Wales’ clearance – her opposite number Jones had the ball in her hand as a patient maul rolled over the home side’s line early in the second quarter. Another driving maul from a lineout in the 25th minute ended with Williams scoring after scrum-half Seren Lockwood had burst down the blindside.

There was no stopping Wales’ tight-head prop Sisilia Tuipulotu from close range after Alex Callender took a quick freekick in the early exchanges of the second half, and Williams finished the try of the match in the 54th minute, racing in off a simple feed from full-back Lisa Neumann after Callender’s terrific long pass had unlocked wide open spaces.

Wales were reduced to 13 late on, with replacements Keira Bevan and Bryonie King sin-binned in the 68th and 70th minute respectively – but Japan could not take advantage of their numerical advantage in the time remaining, slipping to their sixth WXV Global Series defeat in a row.