Black Ferns vs. France Women’s Rugby Union: Exciting WXV 1 Tournament Opener

Sky Stadium, Wellington SKY STADIUM, WELLINGTON,NZ, SATURDAY , OCTOBER 21st, 2023

Ruby Tui Returns to the Black Ferns with a Bang

The eagerly anticipated inaugural WXV 1 rugby tournament is set to kick off at Sky Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand, on October 21st, 2023. Among the notable highlights of this tournament is the return of Ruby Tui, the Black Ferns’ World Cup hero. Tui’s comeback will commence with her starting on the right wing in the tournament’s opening match against France.

Black Ferns Ready for a Remarkable Challenge

The Black Ferns, following their triumphant run to win the Rugby World Cup last year, are set to face France, Wales, and England in three consecutive weeks. This showdown closely mirrors their journey to World Cup victory and promises exciting rugby action.

Unbeaten Streak on the Line

Having won an impressive 16 consecutive Test matches, the Black Ferns are determined to maintain their unbeaten streak. However, they face formidable opposition that could put this remarkable record to the test.

A Unique Format

Due to the cross-pool format of WXV 1, the Black Ferns won’t be facing Australia and Canada in the tournament. Nonetheless, rugby fans will have the opportunity to witness these world-class teams in action as the competition unfolds.

Tui’s Emotional Return to Wellington

For Ruby Tui, this match carries a special significance as it marks her first appearance in the black jersey since the Rugby World Cup final against England in November. It’s also her first game in the city of her birth. The Black Ferns haven’t played in Wellington since 2017, adding to the excitement of this matchup.

A Potent Back Three

The Black Ferns’ lineup features a formidable back three, with three-test winger Katelyn Vaha’akolo joining Tui and Renee Holmes. Tui’s return was one of two changes to the starting XV after an impressive showing against the Wallaroos.

A Strong Squad

The Black Ferns have assembled a robust squad for the inaugural WXV 1 tournament, with 13 players who featured in New Zealand’s nail-biter World Cup semifinal against France and 12 from the World Cup final. This speaks to the team’s depth and talent.

France, a Fierce Competitor

France poses a significant challenge to the Black Ferns, having won four of their last five Test matches against the Kiwis and narrowly losing the Rugby World Cup semifinal by a score of 25-24. France boasts a powerful pack, a skillful backrow, and a versatile kicking game.

A Formidable French Lineup

France’s lineup is formidable, with a mix of talent and experience. They have proven their strength in mauls, backrow play, and kicking strategies, making them a fierce opponent for the Black Ferns.

Exciting Rugby Action Awaits

As the WXV 1 tournament begins, rugby enthusiasts can expect thrilling matches and intense competition. The first game on Friday 20th features England, the World Cup finalists, taking on Australia. The action continues on Saturday 21st with Wales facing Canada, leading up to the highly anticipated match between New Zealand and France. Wellington, Dunedin and Auckland are staging three weekends of tests between the world’s top six teams: England, New Zealand, France, Canada, Australia and Wales.

Player Lineup and Predictions

Black Ferns: Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui, Amy du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu; Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Kennedy Simon (co-capt), Alana Bremner, Charmaine Smith, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Krystal Murray. Reserves: Luka Connor, Chryss Viliko, Tanya Kalounivale, Chelsea Bremner, Lucy Jenkins, Ariana Bayler, Patricia Maliepo, Martha Mataele.

France: Morgane Bourgeois, Cyrielle Banet, Marine Ménager, Gabrielle Vernier, Émilie Boulard, Lina Queyroi, Alexandra Chambon; Charlotte Escudero, Gaëlle Hermet, Axelle Berthoumieu, Madoussou Fall, Manaé Feleu (capt), Clara Joyeux, Elisa Riffonneau, Ambre Mwayembe. Reserves: Laure Touyé, Coco Lindelauf, Assia Khalfaoui, Audrey Forlani, Léa Champon, Émeline Gros, Pauline Bourdon Sansus, Nassira Konde.

WHAT IS WXV

World Rugby’s three-tiered competition for women’s rugby is a significant restructure after Covid-19 wiped out most of the test schedule in the build-up to last year’s World Cup.

It will be staged annually and feature crossover tests between nations from different continents.

WXV1 is the main event because it involves the three best sides from the Six Nations and the Pacific Four Series. There are also the WXV2 and WXV3 competitions, staged in South Cape Town and Dubai respectively.

Each tier has six teams. There will be promotion and relegation between each competition, although no team will be relegated from WXV1 in its first season.

Whichever team finishes bottom of WXV2 will be relegated. Whichever team finishes top of WXV3 will be promoted and take their place next year in WXV2.

WXV1: England, New Zealand, France, Canada, Australia, Wales.

WXV2: United States, Italy, Scotland, Japan, South Africa, Samoa.

WXV3: Ireland, Spain, Kazakhstan, Fiji, Kenya, Colombia.

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