Final Test Lineup Announced

François Ratier, the French women’s rugby coach, has made eight changes to his starting lineup for the final test against New Zealand’s Black Ferns. The match will take place on Saturday, October 31, at 7:10 AM French time in Christchurch, New Zealand, at the One New Zealand Stadium.

Key Player Changes

Léa Champon has been moved to the number 7 position, and Elsa Peyras and Marie Morland will start alongside her. In the backrow, Maïlys Mailagi is playing between Ambre Mwayembe and Assia Khalfaoui, while the Toulouse duo of Lou Roboam and Cloé Correa remains in the forwards.

Injuries Prompt Roster Shifts

The most notable change involves the centers, where Élodie Fernandez and Charlie Gauyat replace Teani Feleu and Gabrielle Vernier, both of whom were injured in the second test. Gauyat, just 19 and with only two caps, will debut in the starting XV. Alexandra Chambon continues as captain and pairs with Carla Arbez in the halfbacks.

Improved Performance Noted

In the second test in Whangarei, France showed improvement, trailing only 14-12 at halftime before losing 31-12. Coach Ratier praised the team’s ability to compete for 70 minutes and emphasized the need to capitalize on strong moments against New Zealand’s powerful side.

Starting XV and Substitutes

The final starting lineup includes Mwayembe, Mailagi, Khalfaoui in the backrow, Roboam and Correa in the forwards, and Peyras, Champon, Morland in the centers. Chambon and Arbez lead the halfbacks, with Murie, Fernandez, Gauyat, and Grando in the back three. Boulard completes the XV. Substitutes include Riffonneau, Bazola Allières, Latonnelle, Grosz, Avril, Cissokho, Pédussaud, and Bourgeois.