The New Zealand Kiwi Ferns were able to get the win many expected them to over France despite a slow start to the game.
Led by Dally M NRLW Player of the Year, Raecene McGregor, the Kiwis capitalised on their chances as the game wore on and too much for the France outfit.
It took 23 minutes for the French line to crack and it came on the last tackle as the ball shifted to the left, with Madison Bartlett scoring in the corner.
McGregor then began to pull the strings as her deft grubber was confirmed grounded by fullback Apii Nicholls.
McGregor then showed her skills with ball-in-hand, feigning a kick before finding Amber Hall inside who did the rest and scored.
The Kiwi Ferns fourth try was the result of quick hands as Roxy Murdoch-Masila capitalised to find a small gap and dive over.
The Kiwi Ferns would start the second half just as they finished the first.
A shift to the right this time and it was Katelyn Vaha’akolo in space out wide to catch the pass and glide over.
The McGregor sisters then combined as Raecene’s crossfield kick found Page McGregor who caught the ball, spun and planted the ball down.
Shanice Parker and Vaha’akolo then combined a second time on the right edge for the winger’s second.
Murdoch-Masila nabbed her second when she spotted some space and was able to push her way over the line.
Parker then capped off a fine Kiwi Ferns performance with a 90m break through the middle.
Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry admitted his side started slow but the effort pleased him.
“Bit of a slow start for us, but give credit to the French team who came out and put it on us,” Henry said.
France coach Vincent Baloup was proud of the first half effort shown by his girls.
“We did well, we are really proud of our first half,” Baloup said.
“This was the best game a French women’s team ever played.”
New Zealand 46 (Vaha’akolo 2, Murdoch-Masila 2, Nicholls, Hall, McGregor, Parker; G: Clark 4, Nicholls 1) def. France 0.
NRL News Player of the Game
3. Raecene McGregor (NZ)
2. Roxy Murdoch-Masila (NZ)
1. Shanice Parker (NZ)
