Black Ferns beat France 81-12 in Hamilton as Tuliau-Tua'a scores four

France were outscored 81-12 as the Black Ferns made a commanding start to their three-Test home series, with the hosts' attack running riot from the opening minute.

The match at FMG Stadium Waikato was effectively over by half-time. Halfback Maia Joseph opened the scoring inside the first minute and had a second try before 10 minutes were up. New Zealand went on to score seven tries in the first half and went into the break 43-0 ahead.

New Zealand Rugby described Tuliau-Tua'a as a hometown favourite, and she was the main finisher on the day. Ayesha Leti-I'iga and Amy du Plessis scored two tries each, and loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker powered over from close range for another. Fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee kicked eight conversions.

Ruahei Demant, the returning co-captain, came off the bench and broke through the French defence for a try that took the score to 67-5.

France short of key players

France arrived without several first-choice players and had trouble winning their own set-piece ball, and the hosts made the most of it. Léa Murie and replacement Amalia Bazola Allieres scored the visitors' tries, and Morgane Bourgeois added one conversion.

The win puts the Black Ferns 1-0 up in the series. The second Test is in Whangārei the following week and the third in Christchurch. Both are listed with the other upcoming rugby fixtures, and this score sits with the latest rugby results.