Black Ferns clean sweep France in Christchurch
The Black Ferns have claimed a clean sweep over France with a 36-7 win in the third test at Christchurch as part of the Global WXV series.
The home sides opening try came from an no-look overhead pass from No.8 Liana Mikaele-Tu'u in the build-up, finished off by wing Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a.
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Scoring and converting the second try, fullback Braxton Sorenson-McGee became the first Black Ferns player to score 100 points in a calendar year. Moments later she had another try disallowed for a forward pass in the build-up.
France were rewarded with a try from close range to hooker Maïlys Mailagi on the stroke of halftime, giving them some hope of a second-half comeback.
After the break, Tuliau-Tua'a doubled the lead with a try in the corner, capitalising on some outstanding passing skills from prop Chryss Viliko.
Replacement prop Maddi Robinson powered over for her first test try, but Tuliau-Tua'a left her team shorthanded, when she was yellow-carded for a high tackle.
New Zealand extended their advantage with a try to replacement Mererangi Paul, before hooker Vici-Rose Green crossed in the final stages to set the seal on victory.
Overall the Black Ferns won 10 of their 11 tests this year, including four against France. The only defeat came at the hands of world champions and world No.1 England.
Black Ferns flanker Elinor-Plum King was named World Rugby XVs Breakthrough Player of the Year, while loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker was named Player of the Yea
