Black Ferns defeat France 81-12 in Hamilton

The Black Ferns will face France in the first of three WXV Global Series tests at FMG Stadium in Hamilton this Saturday. Co-captain Ruahei Demant returns to the squad via the bench following a calf injury that caused her to miss three tests in Europe. Hannah King will retain the number 10 jersey for her fifth consecutive start.

Midfielder Grace Brooker has also been recalled to the squad for the series, marking her first selection in three years. Brooker, who previously played for the Essendon Bombers in the AFLW, returns to the national side after captaining Matatū in the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki season.

Coach Whitney Hansen has made two changes to the starting XV from the side that recently lost to England. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu will start at lock in place of Laura Bayfield, while Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a starts on the right wing instead of Mererangi Paul.

The Black Ferns enter the series with a 7-1 record under Hansen's leadership this year. The upcoming series will continue in Whangārei and Christchurch in the following weeks.

How it developed

• Fri 16 Oct, 2:02pmCoach Whitney Hansen revealed that Hannah King's run in the number 10 jersey was originally planned before a Super Rugby injury to Demant changed the team's trajectory.

Where reports differ

• One report identifies Georgia Ponsonby as co-captain alongside Demant, while another lists Demant as the sole co-captain returning to the bench

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, The Post, Stuff and RNZ.