New Zealand Women and France Women meet at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in the final match of their three-Test home series within the WXV Global Series. The Black Ferns have won the first two meetings in New Zealand, but the Christchurch game has not been played as of October 30. That distinction matters: the earlier scores are confirmed results, not a prediction of the final Test.
| Fixture | New Zealand Women (Black Ferns) vs. France Women |
|---|---|
| Competition | 2026 WXV Global Series, final home Test |
| Date | Saturday, October 31, 2026 |
| Kickoff in Christchurch | 7:10 p.m. New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT, UTC+13:00) |
| Equivalent UTC time | 6:10 a.m. UTC on Saturday, October 31 |
| Venue | One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Match status as of October 30 | Scheduled; no confirmed final score |
The time conversion is specific to October 31: Christchurch is observing daylight saving time (NZDT, UTC+13:00). Do not confuse a venue's wider event-opening window with the rugby kickoff. New Zealand Rugby confirms 7:10 p.m. NZDT, and the official World Rugby match page identifies the date and stadium. Check that page again if organizers issue a late schedule change.
The teams have already met twice in New Zealand during October. The Black Ferns won 81–12 at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on October 17 and 31–12 at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei on October 24. The Christchurch game is a separate, third Test with its own date, venue and official match record.
Those scores tell two different stories. New Zealand scored 13 tries in the commanding Hamilton win. In Whangārei, France created more sustained pressure and remained competitive before New Zealand pulled away late. That improvement does not establish how the final match will finish. For the verified accounts, consult New Zealand Rugby's Hamilton report and Whangārei match report.
The broader WXV Global Series included a New Zealand trip to Europe earlier in the season, followed by this three-match home stretch against France. The official Black Ferns schedule separates the Hamilton, Whangārei and Christchurch fixtures. Readers comparing score apps should use the October 31 date and Christchurch venue to avoid opening an earlier match.
Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen has made nine changes to the starting XV, with 12 changes across the match-day 23 compared with Whangārei. Ruahei Demant captains the side at fly-half alongside scrum-half Maia Joseph. Maiakawanakaulani Roos returns to the starting second row, while Mia Anderson and Elinor-Plum King join Liana Mikaele-Tu’u in the back row.
Forwards (1–8): Chryss Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Laura Bayfield, Mia Anderson, Elinor-Plum King, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u.
Backs (9–15): Maia Joseph, Ruahei Demant (captain), Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, Amy Du Plessis, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, Braxton Sorensen-McGee.
Named replacements: Vici-Rose Green, Maddison Robinson, Santo Taumata, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Amarante Sititi, Ariana Bayler, Hannah King and Mererangi Paul. The selection is reported in New Zealand Rugby's October 29 team announcement. A published lineup is the announced selection, not a guarantee that every player will take the field; check for late changes before kickoff.
France coach François Ratier has reshaped the midfield, with Charlie Gauyat and Élodie Fernandez named as starting centers after injuries to Teani Feleu and Gabrielle Vernier. Alexandra Chambon captains France at scrum-half alongside fly-half Carla Arbez. Marie Morland starts at No. 8, while Maïlys Mailagi is selected at hooker.
Forwards (1–8): Ambre Mwayembe, Maïlys Mailagi, Assia Khalfaoui, Lou Roboam, Cloé Correa, Elsa Peyras, Léa Champon, Marie Morland.
Backs (9–15): Alexandra Chambon (captain), Carla Arbez, Léa Murie, Élodie Fernandez, Charlie Gauyat, Anaïs Grando, Émilie Boulard.
Named replacements: Élisa Riffonneau, Amalia Bazola Allières, Marion Latonnelle, Julia Grosz, Ylona Avril, Khoudedia Cissokho, Lylou Pedussaud and Morgane Bourgeois. World Rugby's official squad roundup provides the selections and the context of France's midfield changes. Fans should follow official match-day updates for any replacements to the published team sheet.
France's second Test was considerably closer than the first, especially while the sides remained within reach in Whangārei. The useful question is not whether that automatically translates into a French win, but whether France can sustain field position, protect possession and finish scoring opportunities over 80 minutes. Watch the lineout, defensive transitions and how long France can hold territory inside the New Zealand half.
Demant and Joseph provide an experienced decision-making combination, while the revised forward pack will need to establish a platform against France. The selected back three offers attacking threats, but the match will test execution rather than reputation. A strong performance in an earlier match does not make another high score inevitable.
This is the Black Ferns' first Test at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch. The venue operator identifies the address as 218 Madras Street, Christchurch Central City. Its official event and visitor information advises that there is no on-site parking and suggests public transport, taxis or rideshare services. Ticket holders should confirm gate, transport and accessibility details directly with the venue rather than treating general event hours as the kickoff.
New Zealand Rugby says its internationals are broadcast live on Sky Sport in New Zealand. Availability elsewhere varies by territory and rights holder; readers outside New Zealand should check the official broadcaster information rather than assume Sky coverage applies in their country.
For the eventual result, score progression, match statistics and any late lineup changes, return to the specific October 31 World Rugby fixture or the New Zealand Rugby match center. The official World Rugby fixture ID is 4853ee0c-99e0-4cd7-a110-8f20291e49e3, which helps distinguish it from the two previous Tests.
Pre-match status, October 30, 2026: The kickoff, venue and announced teams are confirmed. The October 31 final score, try scorers and match outcome are not yet known. Any post-match account should replace this status only after the official match record has been updated.
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