Rugby World Cup: Black Ferns win semi-final against France by one point

Ruby Tui of New Zealand celebrates her try in the Black Ferns semi-final against France at the Rugby World Cup.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

The Black Ferns will face off against England in the final of the Rugby World Cup, after narrowly defeating France 25-24 in a tense semi-final clash in Auckland tonight.

In the first match between the sides in New Zealand, France had a 10-point lead before the home side replied with 10 points of their own.

France led 17-10 at half-time, before the Black Ferns took the lead for the first time in the game in the 56th minute after tries to Ruby Tui and Theresa Fitzpatrick.

Portia Woodman of New Zealand in the Black Ferns semi-final with France at the Rugby World Cup.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

A penalty awarded 37m in front in the final 70 seconds of the game could have given the French a two-point win, but was missed by Caroline Drouin and the New Zealanders held on to take the game.

With a shot awarded in front after Santo Taumata was yellow-carded for a high tackle, Drouin shanked her kick left as New Zealand made a great escape in front of a roaring crowd.

France number eight Romane Menager scored a brace of tries in a powerhouse display, her second pulling the French within a point with 14 minutes left.

But a yellow card for loose forward Safi N’Diaye for a high tackle proved costly for France before Drouin’s late miss sealed their fate.

The Black Ferns team huddles during their one-point semi-final win over France at the Rugby World Cup.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

The Black Ferns will now line up in the final against England, who beat Canada 26-19 in their semifinal earlier this afternoon. They will face off next weekend at Eden Park.

See how all the action unfolded with RNZ’s live blog here

Unbelievable. #NZLvFRA | #RWC2021 pic.twitter.com/BLMaXa3rTw

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) November 5, 2022

– RNZ / Reuters