Black Ferns player ratings vs France: Rugby World Cup Bronze Match

Saturday, 27 September 2025 at 14:33

byTom Sansom

New Zealand take the bronze medals home from the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup after a stunning Third Place Final win over France.

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The Black Ferns hit their blistering top gear early in the match, yet almost came undone by a resilient French resurgence in the second half.

The high-scoring contest saw 10 tries scored in total, as New Zealand and France traded momentum across the two halves for a 42–26 finish at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

It was the perfect opener for the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final, which immediately followed between England and Canada.

NEW ZEALAND 42

Tries: 6 (Demant 14’, Brunt 32’, Holmes 37’, Bayfield 40’, Sorensen-McGee 47’, 60’)
Conversions: 3 (Holmes 14’, 32’, 37’)
Penalties: 2 (Holmes 54’, 79’)

FRANCE 26

Tries: 4 (Bourdon-Sanus 9’, Champon 63’, Vernier 66’, Boulard 72’)
Conversions: 3 (Arbez 9’, Tuy 63’, 66’)
Penalties: 0

Black Ferns player ratings vs France:

15. Renee Holmes - 9

Took up the kicking duties in the Bronze Final and nailed her first shot at goal. Applied vital defensive pressure on Joanna Grisez, as the French wing knocked the ball on close to the NZ try-line at 20 minutes. Capped off a breath-taking team try as New Zealand hit their top stride late in the first half. Dutifully awarded the Player of the Match award for her efforts.

14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee - 8.5

The teenage sensation has been a breakout star of the tournament. The wing swept up well in defence as France tried to exploit the backfield. However, a mis-gathered loose ball almost proved costly during a first-half France attack. A constant attacking threat out wide, she sold a dummy to two French defenders before racing away for a stunning solo try. She bagged her brace at the hour mark with a neat dive for the line from close range.

13. Stacey Waaka - 7.5

Fearless on defence, optimised by an early chop tackle on a bulldozing French lock at pace. Nailed to the deck whilst offloading the ball and sending a pass to touch with Sorensen-McGee open. Heavy hits and soft hands to link the backline — Waaka was a real threat at the Allianz.

12. Sylvia Brunt (off 70') - 8

Attempted an early chip and chase over the defence, though a scuffed kick sent the ball wayward. Displayed great attacking lines with the ball in hand and cascaded at pace. Showcased tremendous resolve to fight her way to the try-line, powering through three blue shirts for her 32nd-minute score. Commanded her troops around the park for a stunning win at the Allianz.

11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (off 57') - 7.5

The living legend of the Black Ferns ran out for one last ride. Put in a brutal dump tackle on Pauline Bourdon-Sanus that kept the halfback at bay. Delivered a second thumping tackle on Marine Ménager, earning a roar from the crowd. In floods of tears upon her 57th-minute exit — the end of an era.

10. Ruahei Demant - 7

Led the charge to get the Black Ferns on the board with New Zealand’s opening try. Spotted a perfect gap from a line-out with a strike move straight from the training pitch. Inch-perfect kicking to touch pinned France back.

9. Risi Pouri-Lane (off 57') - 6.5

Struggled with a couple of dropped balls early on, possibly nerves playing a part. Set a searing high tempo to the heart of the Black Ferns attack.

1. Chryss Viliko (off 47') - 7

Collapsed at an early scrum just two minutes in as France set the set-piece tone. Flew out of the line like a wrecking ball for low chop tackles. Delivered a nice offload to Demant in the lead-up to New Zealand’s second try.

2. Georgia Ponsonby (off 55') - 7

Had a slower start at scrum-time as New Zealand took a couple of set-pieces to find their rhythm. Executed line-outs excellently to give New Zealand a solid base to play from.

3. Tanya Kalounivale (off 44') - 6

A power game on full display as the tight-head churned up the Twickenham turf for hard yards. Ensured it took more than one French defender to bring her down, opening space out wide for the backs to attack.

4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (off 58') - 7

Wasted no time setting the tone in defence with a thunderous early hit. Ruled the skies at the line-out with a commanding presence. Made a couple of handling errors as a supporting line, handing solid territory back to France.

5. Laura Bayfield - 7

Sold a sidestep by the elusive Gaby Vernier as the centre slipped free from a tackle. Dug for short drives over the gain-line with grit in each carry forward. Backed her pace to finish a try from the 22m after a stunning break from Jorja Miller played the lock into space.

6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (off 50') - 6.5

Blistering line-break to get the Black Ferns back downfield straight after France scored the opening try. Showed nice touches with the occasional offload keeping France guessing in defence.

7. Jorja Miller - 8.5

The Sevens Player of the Year turned Black Ferns mainstay impressed from the start with early hits and carries. Produced a solid turnover in the 8th minute to end a flourish of French possession. Kept her balance despite a first-half hair pull that went unpunished. Ignited New Zealand’s fourth try with an exceptional break before providing the assist to Laura Bayfield. Produced another turnover immediately after half-time. A formidable presence once again.

8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker - 7

Powerful line-breaks with the ball in hand and dominant ruck clear-outs that echoed around the Allianz. Made a standout hit at the 35th minute, drawing a loud reaction from the crowd.

Replacements

16. Vici Rose-Green (on 55') - 6

Kept the set-piece accurate for the Black Ferns despite France’s second-half fightback.

17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (on 47') - 5

Came on shortly after the introduction of replacement tight-head Amy Rule to keep New Zealand’s set-piece tempo high despite France’s pressure. Knocked the ball on at 53 minutes as France held a firm high pressing line.

18. Amy Rule (on 44') - 5

Introduced shortly after half-time to maintain the Black Ferns’ standards. Those levels dropped as France scored three unanswered second-half tries.

19. Alana Bremner (on 58') - 6

Part of several changes that shook up the Black Ferns’ consistency. Leaked two soft tries to France in three minutes. Put her body on the line in the engine room against the French resurgence.

20. Layla Sae (on 50') - 5

Replaced Liana Mikaele-Tu’u after she had emptied the tank. Put in heavy shots against tiring French carriers and showed nice touches in attack. Gave away a penalty at the 70th minute as France launched a late offensive.

21. Maia Joseph (on 57') - 6.5

After significant changes around the hour mark, France scored back-to-back tries. Joseph took control to steady New Zealand and steer them back into the driver’s seat for the closing stages.

22. Theresa Setefano (on 70') - 5

Given the closing 10 minutes of New Zealand’s World Cup campaign.

23. Katelyn Vahaakolo (on 57') - 6

Given the honour of replacing Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. Not a smooth start as New Zealand were stunned by France’s second-half fightback. Involved with some nice carries and support lines, and always drew a solid reaction from the crowd.