10/31/2026 12:03:00
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10/31 12:02 CDT Olsen-Baker crowned World Rugby women's player of the year
after Black Ferns sweep France
Olsen-Baker crowned World Rugby women's player of the year after Black Ferns
sweep France
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) --- Dynamic New Zealand No. 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker
was named the women's world rugby player of the year on Saturday.
Olsen-Baker received the award straight after the Black Ferns completed a home
series sweep of France after taking their third test 36-7 in the WXV. She sat
out the match with an ankle injury but got a celebratory haka from her
teammates.
Olsen-Baker was cited for "her powerful ball-carrying, athleticism and
relentless work-rate throughout the year."
Also nominated were England backs Megan Jones and Zoe Harrison and Canada prop
DaLeaka Menin.
Black Ferns flanker Elinor-Plum King played on Saturday and was awarded world
breakthrough player of the year, the fourth New Zealand recipient in five
seasons.
King made her debut in August and "caught the eye with her physicality,
defensive work and presence at the breakdown," World Rugby said.
France was held up over the tryline early and trailed only 12-7 at halftime but
was gradually overwhelmed by the Black Ferns' robust pack, brilliant handling
and sparky backline.
Left wing Ayesha Leti-I'iga softened up France for New Zealand's first-half
tries to Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, who broke Kendra
Cocksedge's Black Ferns single season points record and extended it to 103.
Hooker Mailys Mailagi powered over for France just before halftime but French
chances were limited in the second half.
The New Zealand pack reasserted itself to set up tries for Tuliau-Tua'a and
Maddi Robinson. While Tuliau-Tua'a was in the sin-bin, Mererangi Paul flew over
from a kick-pass by Amy du Plessis, and replacement hooker Vici-Rose Green
nabbed the last try.
The Black Ferns finished the year with 10 wins in 11 matches, the only loss to
England on a last-second Harrison intercept try.
Parsons treble seals Ireland win
In Cape Town, winger Bibhinn Parsons' hat trick of tries helped Ireland
overcome South Africa 38-17 and sweep their series.
South Africa's power game moved it ahead 17-14 approaching the hour mark but
Parsons' second try restored the lead to Ireland.
The Irish then exploited a yellow card against South Africa wing Jackie
Cilliers to strike three times, twice by midfielder Aoife Dalton and the third
for Parsons, who extended her Irish test record to 29 tries in 40 appearances.
In Kumagaya, Wales bossed Japan in the maul and won the second test 29-5. Wales
even held out with 13 players in the last 10 minutes.
The Welsh were on a record nine-match losing streak in September but have won
three of their last four tests while the Sakura Fifteen have lost six in a row
for the first time in their 35-year test history.
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