Black Ferns v Wales: NZ women’s rugby team look to grow from loss in opening WXV 1 tournament loss to France

After suffering their first loss in almost two years, the Black Ferns have had to have some “honest conversations”.

The New Zealand women’s rugby side were beaten by one point by France in their WXV 1 tournament opener in Wellington last weekend; their first loss since being well beaten by the French in November 2021.

It was a physical encounter. While the Black Ferns were largely allowed to dictate the pace, the French were up to the challenge defensively and took their opportunities to strike when they presented themselves.

The Black Ferns had to play the last 27 minutes at a numbers disadvantage after prop Chryss Viliko was sent off for a bad cleanout, but they finished the stronger of the two and their scrum remained dominant despite being a forward down.

It was the side’s first challenge against a Six Nations team this year, and Black Ferns centre Amy du Plessis said it left them with plenty to consider.

“It was my first loss in the Black Ferns and I think it was for some of the girls. But as hard as it was, we needed that and it has shaped us this week to look at the little things to help us be better,” du Plessis said.

“It’s probably been the best thing for us. We’ve had some really hard looks at ourselves. That’s the thing we want to make sure we do first, then it’s just about having those honest conversations with one another to make sure that we’re doing the best thing for our team. We want to make sure everything goes into making the team the best it can be.

“From a loss, you’re going to grow and learn a lot more than after a win.”

Du Plessis will return at centre for Saturday afternoon’s clash against Wales in Dunedin, again working alongside Sylvia Brunt in the midfield.

The duo have emerged as the first-choice midfield pairing in Allan Bunting’s first season at the helm, with this weekend’s test being the fifth time in six matches that the pair join forces for the Black Ferns this year. Du Plessis has started every Black Ferns test this year in the No 13 jersey.

It’s been a year of learning for the 24-year-old, who noted the mental aspect of her role had been an area to address as she looked to cement herself in that role moving forward.

“None of us have secured the jersey so I wouldn’t say we’re cemented in that spot, but I’m grateful to have been able to play in the 13 jersey a bit,” she said.

“Last weekend I definitely got tested, and I think, probably in a mental aspect, it’s just making sure that I grow that part of it. I didn’t perform at my best, but we’re only going to learn one way and that’s by playing.”

While the midfield combination remains, Bunting has made several changes to his side to meet Wales this weekend. In the front row, Kate Henwood starts at loosehead prop with Krystal Murray moving to the bench. Chelsea Bremner starts at lock with Charmaine Smith out of the side, Layla Sae draws her first test start at blindside moving Alana Bremner to the bench, while Mererangi Paul replaces Katelyn Vahaakolo on the left wing in the only change to the backline. Iritana Hohaia also joins the bench as the reserve halfback.

Black Ferns: Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui, Amy du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Mererangi Paul, Ruahei Demant, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Kennedy Simon, Layla Sae, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Kate Henwood.

Reserves: Luka Connor, Krystal Murray, Tanya Kalounivale, Alana Bremner, Lucy Jenkins, Iritana Hohaia, Patricia Maliepo, Martha Mataele.

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.