Deadeye Drouin seals maiden win

CAROLINE Drouin’s 15point haul inspired France to their maiden Test victory over New Zealand in a pulsating show-stopper at the Stades des Alpes.

Grand Slam winners Les Bleus, who had lost all five of their previous meetings with the Black Ferns, came out on top in this seven-try thriller.

Having failed to register a point as they were defeated 14-0 by world leaders New Zealand in Toulon a week previously, the home side got themselves off to a dream start. With just six minutes on the clock, Julie Duval dotting down from a rolling maul and Drouin added the extras.

Stacey Waaka fired through the French line to hit back immediately, Krysten Cottrell converting – but that only brought on an onslaught from the hosts.

Maelle Filopon went over and after Ayesha LetiI’iga had been carded for a high tackle, Samuel Cherouk’s side took advantage, Romane Menager showing sublime ball-control to reel in a tricky offload under pressure and then power her way to the third try.

Fiao’o Faamausili’s try reduced the deficit before half-time, but France began the second half at top speed and Drouin went over.

New Zealand quickly responded, Selica Winiata scoring their fourth try to make it 24-21 and Kendra Cocksedge’s penalty tied it up. But Drouin knocked over two late penalties and despite Cocksedge adding three points for New Zealand, France held out.