This is called ending in style. The French could not have completed their autumn tour in a better way, winning for the second time in a row against the New Zealand women (29-7), Saturday, November 20, in Castres. A full card for the Blue, who remain undefeated over the three meetings after dominating South Africa (46-3) and the Black Ferns (38-13) in their previous meeting.
The five-time world champions failed to take revenge and correct the humilation suffered a week earlier, conceding four tries. It is once again the Tricolores who took the reins of the meeting, stifling their entry opponents. They only needed four minutes to break the New Zealand defense and register the first try of the meeting, on a beautiful collective action led by Agathe Sochat, author of a very big match.
Six minutes later (11th), winger Marie-Aurélie Castel (21), which it was the first selection, doubled the stake on the first scrum of the match. It is again the Breton who was at the finish on the fourth French test, offering herself a first double in just three selections.
Despite a strong time at the end of the first period, allowing them to return to a try (14-7) in just three minutes (21-7 at the break), and a better second period, lhe five-time world champions have never really managed to develop their game. Les Bleues, very solid in defense, have accepted the New Zealand charges without flinching.
The players of Annick Hayraud, whose workforce has been radically rejuvenated, performed flawlessly in this tour. Above all, they chained a fourth consecutive victory against the Black Ferns, almost undisputed queens of world rugby. A first in the history of the XV of France, although the New Zealanders (2nd world nation) were deprived of a match for two years because of the Covid-19.
Thanks to this new victory, the Tricolores further consolidate their status as contender for the world title. Next stage against Italy, Sunday March 27, 2022, at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, on the occasion of the first Six Nations match.