France will face New Zealand in a WXV Global Series match on Saturday, September 12, at the Gerland stadium in Lyon. This competition brings together the top 12 women’s rugby teams in the world and is part of a three-year cycle that influences the global rankings. French coach François Ratier emphasized the significance of the match, noting that it is part of a series that will see France face New Zealand three more times, including a trip to New Zealand in October. The series is designed to help the French team prepare for future challenges, including the 2029 Women’s World Cup in Australia. Pauline Bourdon Sansus, the newly appointed captain of the French team, said the squad has moved past their World Cup semifinal loss to New Zealand last year, which ended their hopes of a podium finish. The French team is eager to test themselves against New Zealand, a team they have had few chances to face. Bourdon Sansus noted that New Zealand's style of play is physically demanding and different from what the French team typically encounters, which makes the upcoming match both a challenge and an opportunity to adapt. Ratier, who took on the role of head coach at the start of the year, highlighted the match's importance in the team's preparation for the 2029 World Cup. The French squad has been working to strengthen its defense, especially after a recent Six Nations match against England where they entered the defensive zone 11 times and managed to score only three points. This has been a key area of focus for the coaching staff as they aim to improve the team’s overall performance. The French team is also incorporating new players, such as Julia Grosz in the second row and Lili Dezou in the center, along with Chloé Jacquet, who is returning to the team after a four-year absence. Ratier mentioned the goal of having 50 players eligible for the World Cup, but several are currently unavailable for various reasons, including Manae Feleu, who is pursuing medical studies, and Madoussou Fall-Raclot, who is on maternity leave. Despite these challenges, Ratier expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform at its highest level, viewing the match as both a training opportunity and a test of their readiness for future competitions.