‘See results’: How the Black Ferns’ season marked a step forward

Sport Nation • November 2nd, 2026 2:37 pm

Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport

The Black Ferns’ clean sweep of France capped a season that former international Les Elder says has reflected the benefits of more time together in a professional environment.

New Zealand closed out the three-Test series with a 36-7 win in Christchurch on Sunday, finishing a year in which they won 10 of 11 games, with their only loss coming against world champions England.

“The season's been unreal,” Elder told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy.

“10 out of 11, one loss and just missed out on that one. I think if we would have went another game against them a week later, we would've got them.”

Whitney Hansen | Photo: Photosport

Elder said the team’s progress reflected the work of head coach Whitney Hansen and the increased investment in the players’ preparation.

“I think what Whitney's created in a year and that's been backed up by, and I don't think he'll mind me saying this, Brad Anderson, the S&C (strength and conditioning coach) for the Black Ferns, just saying that she has created something special in there.”

Elder said Anderson had described the squad as “the fittest, fastest, strongest that they've ever been."

“He said them going professional, having that professional block through Aupiki, a lot more time with the Black Ferns. I think he said 18 weeks they've been together this year compared to eight last year.

“So there's a lot of investment into the girls being able to be full-time for a lot longer and we're starting to see results of that.

“A number of different things have contributed to their success this year, but you can't take away from what Whitney Hanson created.”

Listen to the full interview below: