It’s the game that neither team wanted to be a part of when their respective semi-finals kicked off in Bristol last weekend, but the Bronze Final between New Zealand and France promises to deliver plenty of fireworks in what will be the curtain raiser to the final of Rugby World Cup 2025 at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Both sides had gone into the last four on the back of unbeaten streaks that saw New Zealand beat Spain and Japan before muscling past Ireland in their Pool C finale in Brighton and Hove. The Black Ferns went on to beat South Africa in the quarter-finals, but came unstuck against a rampant Canada team that put in a performance for the ages to sink the six-time champions at Ashton Gate.
France, meanwhile, had seen off Italy and Brazil before topping Pool D with victory over tournament surprise package South Africa in Northampton. Les Bleues came back to beat Ireland in a tense quarter-final, and thereafter more than played their part in a rocking semi-final against the Red Roses which saw the two sides separated by just two points at half-time. But John Mitchell’s side managed to win the arm wrestle and put the game to bed with a strong second-half performance to set up a repeat of the Rugby World Cup 2014 final.
It leaves France and New Zealand facing off for third place in what will be a thrilling prelude to Saturday’s showpiece. France have previous in this fixture; they have lost at the semi-final stage in nine of the last ten tournaments, but in the last six editions have gone on to win five Bronze Finals.
New Zealand, rather incredibly given their pedigree, have never featured in this game at a Rugby World Cup. Their semi-final loss in the inaugural 1991 tournament came at a time before third place was played for, and after missing the following tournament they have won six of the seven editions that followed.
Up until their loss on Friday, the Black Ferns had not lost a Rugby World Cup knockout since that 1991 defeat, so this is unchartered territory for a side that was aiming to win their third successive tournament before Canada came knocking.
Kick-off: 12:30 BST, Saturday, 27 September
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Want to watch but you don’t have a ticket to the game? Check out our Global Guide to the TV options in your region.
If you have a ticket, make sure you read Maggie Alphonsi’s top tips for a great time in Twickenham.
New Zealand team
New Zealand’s key player: It has to be Jorga Miller. The former sevens star may have only made her Black Ferns debut in late May this year, but the 21-year-old has already made herself a priceless asset. So priceless in fact that her injury-enforced absence from the semi-final defeat to Canada has been seen as critical by many. Nominally starting in the No.7 jersey the nominee for World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year routinely appears all over the pitch.
France team
France’s key player: It is not only New Zealand who are delighted to welcome back a big name player from injury however, with Joanna Grisez just as likely to light up Allianz Stadium. The winger scored one of the tries of the tournament so far v Ireland in the quarter-final and will add real stardust to what is already an exciting backline.
What New Zealand said
Captain Ruahei Demant:
“We’re not where we wanted to be, but there’s still lot’s of positives to take out of the week. We’re really fortunate and there’s been a lot of gratitude in this group around being able to stay together for another week.
“We haven’t needed to search for motivation to be honest. The performance that we put out was motivation enough to let ourselves feel what we were feeling initially.
“After all tournaments, there’s that interest and then it kind of dies off. But for us women especially, I think the most important thing is for people to continue to support, to continue to watch and continue to spotlight women’s sport, especially women’s rugby.
“Not just in Aotearoa [New Zealand], not just here, but across the world. You’ve seen what countries can do with barely any resources, imagine how much further this game could grow if we were all afforded the same resources and opportunity. That’s what I would love to see in the next cycle – a level playing field.”
What France said
Co-head coache Gaelle Mignot:
“What matters to us is leaving with a medal around our necks. That’s essential. This is a squad that’s worked hard, invested, and built itself step by step. They had set themselves the goal of reaching the final. Now that hasn’t happened, the new objective is to stay competitive to the very end. Bringing something tangible back to France – that bronze medal – would give real meaning to this campaign.
“She’s (captain Marine Menager) a great player who’s decided to hang up her boots. She’s shown time and again her value both as a person and as a rugby player. I was lucky enough to play alongside her myself. The whole team wants to put in a huge performance for her.
“Same goes for Manon Bigot, who’s also announced she’s retiring. When players like that take their last bow, motivation comes naturally – the squad wants to send them out the right way.”
Captain Marine Menager:
“It’s special. These are emotions I’ve never felt before. Saturday will close 22 years of my life. I want to soak up every moment with the girls. Hopefully we finish with a medal – that would be the perfect end.
“Bronze isn’t up for negotiation. We’ve worked too hard. We deserve it.”