women
international women
France Head coach François Ratier has included four debutants in his 23rd match to take on the Black Ferns in Hamilton.
This is the first time that Alexandra Chambon will captain the team, as Manae Feleu and Pauline Bourdon Sansus are unavailable.
The fourth ranked team in the world left New Zealand hot on the heels of a 21-5 victory Canada to conclude their WXV Global Series.
Ylona Avril gets her first game in the starting XV, partnering Julia Grosz with three games to go. Toulon’s Marion Latonnelle, along with Toulouse teenagers Lylou Pedussaud and Charlie Gauyat will get their first taste of international rugby since the switch.
There is no place in the team for the experienced Gabrielle Vernier, Carla Arbez and Amber Mwayembe.
François Ratier, head coach of France, said: “We have a young team – average age 24 – with very few games. In the context of our current cycle, this is the right time to introduce new players. We need to see these younger players in action immediately. We made this decision to help them get in the door alongside more experienced players, so that they can contribute to the team during this cycle.
“With this group, if everyone gives their best performance, we are capable of securing wins in New Zealand. We may not be the favourites, but it should actually help the players feel more free – allowing them to play with a lot less pressure than if we were a side averaging 60 games per player, just three months out from the World Cup.”
France Match 23 v New Zealand | WXV Global Series 2026
15. Morgane Bourgeois
14. Marie Ibañez
13. Aubane Rousset
12. Teani Fele
11. Léa Murie
10. Elodie Fernandez
9. Alexandra Chambon (c)
1. Annaëlle Deshaye
2. Elisa Riffonneau
3. Assia Khalfaoui
4. Julia Grosz
5. Ylona Avril
6. To Axelle Berthoumie
7. Mouna Toure
8. Léa Champon
Substitutions
16. Mathilde Lazarko
17. Amalia Bazola Allieres
18. Marion Latonnelle
19. Your Rehoboam
20. Elsa Peyras
21. Lylou Pedussaud
22. Lina Queyroi
23. Charlie Gauyat
