Sevens: Black Ferns prepare for tests with Game of Three Halves in Tauranga

The Black Ferns will warm up for two-test tour of France with a Game of Three Halves in Tauranga next month. Photo/File

The Black Ferns will be warming up for a busy international season with a Game of Three Halves in Tauranga next month.

New Zealand Rugby has announced the Black Ferns will play a two-test tour of France at the end of the year. They will play France in Toulon and Grenoble in November, meaning they will play five Tests in 2018 including an already announced fixture against USA, as part of a triple header special at Chicago's Soldier Field.

The side will warm-up for a busy international season with a Game of Three Halves in Tauranga next month.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief rugby officer Nigel Cass said the two French tests against the reigning Women's Six Nations champions were an exciting addition to the Black Ferns' schedule in 2018.

"Women's rugby is on a high in France following their Six Nations victory earlier this year when they played in front of large home crowds. We're expecting locals will turn out in force to cheer on these two teams. It will be a tantalising couple of test matches for rugby fans."

To prepare, the squad will play the Game of Three Halves featuring the Black Ferns, Bay of Plenty Volcanix and Auckland Storm.

The game, which will be held at the Tauranga Domain on Saturday, August 11, will see the Black Ferns play the Bay of Plenty Volcanix for 40 minutes, followed by 40 minutes against Auckland Storm. The third "half" will pit Bay of Plenty against Auckland ahead of their Farah Palmer Cup season.

"The Game of Three Halves gives New Zealand fans and provincial players a unique experience. This is a great opportunity for two Farah Palmer Cup teams to have a hit out against the best players in the country," Cass said.

"And for fans, it's a fun afternoon of footy. There's no gate charge, and everyone is welcome."

Meanwhile, next month the Black Ferns play Australia for the Laurie O'Reilly Memorial Trophy in two double-header Test matches, with the All Blacks playing Australia for the Bledisloe Cup in Sydney and then Auckland.

"We know how much it means to the Black Ferns to play in front of family and friends at home and for fans to watch them play, so the matches will be great occasions," Cass said.

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The details:

What: Game of Three Halves
Where: Tauranga Domain, Tauranga
When: Saturday, August 11
Who: Black Ferns v Bay of Plenty Volcanix and Auckland Storm
Time: Kickoff: 12pm