Can New Zealand's Dominance Over France in the Third-Place Play-Off Be Sustained?
Published: 2025-09-27 14:35:13 | Category: sport
New Zealand's Braxton Sorensen-McGee has made headlines at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, finishing the tournament as the top try-scorer with an impressive 11 tries. This achievement played a key role in the Black Ferns securing a dominant third-place finish against France, with a final score of 42-26 at Twickenham.
Last updated: 07 October 2023 (BST)
Key Takeaways from the Women's Rugby World Cup
- Braxton Sorensen-McGee ended the tournament with 11 tries, leading the scoring charts.
- New Zealand secured third place by defeating France 42-26 in a dominant performance.
- The Black Ferns aimed for a record third consecutive World Cup title but fell short in the semi-finals.
- New Zealand’s legendary winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe received a heartfelt farewell from fans.
- France continues to struggle in third-place play-offs, marking their seventh consecutive finish in this position.
New Zealand's Road to Victory
The Black Ferns showcased their prowess in the third-place play-off against France, bouncing back from a semi-final defeat to Canada, which ended their 11-year unbeaten streak in the tournament. The match took place in front of a lively crowd at Twickenham, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
A Strong Start
Despite an early try from France's Bourdon, New Zealand quickly took control of the match. Captain Ruahei Demant opened the scoring for the Black Ferns, followed by tries from Brunt, Holmes, and Bayfield, pushing the score to 26-7 by half-time. Sorensen-McGee contributed significantly with two tries in the second half, sealing the match for New Zealand.
Key Players and Their Contributions
Braxton Sorensen-McGee was undoubtedly one of the standout players of the tournament. Her ability to find the try line has been instrumental for New Zealand, and her performance in the third-place match further solidified her reputation as a rising star in women’s rugby.
Other notable players included the ever-reliable Holmes, who not only contributed tries but was also pivotal in conversions and penalties, scoring a total of 18 points in the match. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, despite being emotional during her farewell, left a lasting legacy as New Zealand's all-time leading try-scorer.
France's Performance and Future Outlook
France's journey in the tournament ended in disappointment as they could not break their streak of third-place finishes. With a semi-final loss to England, they faced New Zealand in the play-off, where they struggled to keep up with the Black Ferns’ pace and skill.
The French team did manage to score three late tries through Champon, Vernier, and Boulard, which made the final score more respectable. However, the team will need to reassess their strategy and performance going forward to improve their standing in future tournaments.
Reflections from the Players
Following the match, Demant expressed pride in her team's performance and acknowledged the effort and heart displayed by both teams. The tournament has been a significant event for women’s rugby, showcasing the sport's growth and the increasing competitiveness of the teams involved.
The Significance of the Women’s Rugby World Cup
This year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup has been a pivotal moment for the sport, particularly in terms of visibility and engagement. With more fans attending matches and a broader media coverage than ever before, the tournament has highlighted the athleticism and skill of female rugby players.
The success of players like Sorensen-McGee has helped inspire the next generation of rugby athletes, reinforcing the importance of support for women's sports. The future looks bright for women’s rugby as it continues to gain traction globally.
What’s Next for the Teams?
As the tournament concludes, both New Zealand and France will be looking towards the future. For New Zealand, a focus on nurturing young talent like Sorensen-McGee will be vital to reclaiming their title in the next World Cup. They will aim to build a team that can not only compete but dominate in international matches.
On the other hand, France will need to evaluate their performance critically. With consistent third-place finishes, the team may need to rethink their tactics and team dynamics to break the cycle and aim for higher placements in future competitions.
Conclusion
The Women’s Rugby World Cup has once again proven to be an important platform for showcasing the talent and determination of female athletes. As New Zealand celebrates its third-place finish and France reflects on its journey, the lessons learned from this tournament will undoubtedly shape the future of women’s rugby. The ongoing support from fans, sponsors, and governing bodies will be crucial in advancing the sport further.
As we look ahead, how will these teams adapt and evolve for the next World Cup? The anticipation builds as rugby fans eagerly await the next chapter in women's rugby. #WomensRugby #BlackFerns #RugbyWorldCup
FAQs
Who was the top try-scorer in the Women’s Rugby World Cup?
Braxton Sorensen-McGee from New Zealand finished as the top try-scorer, netting 11 tries throughout the tournament.
What was the final score in the third-place play-off?
New Zealand defeated France with a final score of 42-26 in the third-place play-off at Twickenham.
How did New Zealand perform in the semi-finals?
New Zealand faced Canada in the semi-finals, where they experienced a defeat that ended their 11-year unbeaten streak in the World Cup.
What does this third-place finish mean for New Zealand?
The third-place finish highlights New Zealand's competitive spirit, despite falling short of their goal to win a record third consecutive World Cup title.
What are the future prospects for the French rugby team?
France will need to evaluate their strategies and performance after their seventh consecutive third-place finish, aiming for improvement in future tournaments.
