France makes major lineup changes

Following a heavy 81-12 loss to New Zealand in the first test, French coach François Ratier has made eight changes to the women's rugby team for the second match in the WXV Global Series. The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at the Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei.

Key players return to starting lineup

Gabrielle Vernier, Émilie Boulard, and Carla Arbez have returned to the starting XV, with Alexandra Chambon continuing as captain. Ambre Mwayembe and Cloé Correa also return after serving suspensions from red cards in the previous match against Australia.

New faces and team composition

Mathilde Lazarko makes her debut in the back row, while Lou Roboam joins Correa in the second row. The entire forward pack is drawn from Toulouse, with the back row Berthoumieu-Touré-Champon remaining unchanged. Carla Arbez takes the number 10 position alongside Chambon.

Strategic lineup adjustments

Gabrielle Vernier, the most capped player in the squad with 63 selections, returns to play in the center alongside Téani Feleu. Anaïs Grando and Marie Ibañez take the wing positions, while Émilie Boulard returns to the fullback role. The coach has reintroduced several experienced players to key positions.

Focus on defensive improvements

The changes follow New Zealand's dominant performance in the first match, where they scored seven tries before halftime. The return of Vernier is expected to improve France's defensive organization. The team's priority is to win collisions, protect ball exits, and avoid giving New Zealand more opportunities.

Coach calls for immediate response

François Ratier emphasized the need for an immediate reaction, stating, "There is no fear, there is a desire to show that we are worth more than that." He compared the situation to boxing, saying, "There is no observation round when you box a super heavyweight." He warned that waiting to engage risks another strong performance from New Zealand.

Team composition and broadcast details

The starting XV includes Mwayembe, Lazarko, Khalfaoui; Roboam, Correa; Berthoumieu, Touré, Champon; Chambon (captain), Arbez; Grando, Feleu, Vernier, Ibañez; Boulard. Seven of the 23 selected players are from Stade Toulousain, highlighting the club's influence. The match will be broadcast live on France 2, with a final test against New Zealand scheduled for October 31 in Christchurch.