The Kiwi Ferns delivered a dominant 92-0 Rugby League World Cup victory over France under the roof in Christchurch on October 25, 2026, scoring 18 tries in a comprehensive tournament statement, 1News reported.
Kiwi Ferns Defeat France by 92 Points
- Stacey Waaka, Apii Nicholls, and Mele Hufanga delivered hat-tricks as the Kiwi Ferns defeated France.
- The 92-point margin elevates New Zealand’s tournament points differential, solidifying their status ahead of upcoming clashes.
A Seventy-Minute Christchurch Massacre
New Zealand turned a fixture under the roof in Christchurch into a one-sided exhibition, running in 18 tries against minimal French resistance. Winger Mackenzie Wiki opened the scoring early, benefiting from a late injury call-up to start on the flank and showcase slick backline handling. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) noted that damaging carries from Ivana Lauitiiti and Alexis Tauaneai continually broke the advantage line, chewing up metres at will.
Debutant Chantay Kiria-Ratu sliced through fragile defensive channels for her first test try with a sharp pirouette. Captain Raecene McGregor orchestrated the attack masterfully, putting through a grubber for Nicholls’ second try before executing a classic show-and-go to cross for her own five-pointer. Stacey Waaka added to the onslaught with signature fend, step, and swerve combinations down the edge.
The Kiwi Ferns turned on a show for their home fans in Christchurch with a 92-0 win over France at the 2026 IRL Women's World Cup on Sunday.💻 MATCH REPORT | https://t.co/24JfTHDFlc pic.twitter.com/g9PxtUQZcE
Relentless Second-Half Offense and Jillaroos Warning
The second half brought no reprieve for the French side as the scoreline climbed past fifty. Kaiyah Atai broke the line cleanly to set up Mele Hufanga’s continuation of power close to the chalk, while Atai later powered through multiple tacklers herself to earn a deserved try after her heavy workload carrying the ball.
Tenika Willison secured a debut double, finishing off a deft inside ball from Hufanga before hunting down a pinpoint cross-kick from McGregor to evade three defenders. Waaka demonstrated versatility by shifting from elusive running to raw power, bulldozing her way over to seal her hat-trick. Nicholls finalized the 92-0 scoreline with her fourth try in the dying stages, mercifully ending the fixture.
RNZ reported that after a rusty opening encounter against Fiji, the Kiwi Ferns operated as a well-oiled machine from the opening whistle. The performance firmly serves notice to the Jillaroos as the tournament progresses toward its decisive fixtures.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
More on Kiwi Ferns
The Kiwi Ferns have thrashed France 92-0 to wrap up Week 2 of the Women's Rugby League World Cup. https://t.co/b764W5fOVH
