The XV of France started this Six Nations Tournament with two ideas in mind: to offer themselves a final against England and to mobilize the largest group to achieve this. The objectives have been achieved and the time for experimentation is over. The staff of Les Bleues chose, Thursday April 28, those who will try to overthrow the English ogre on Saturday April 30 (to follow on France 2 and france.tv at 3:15 p.m.) to win the Grand Slam.
To glean a coronation that has eluded them since 2018, the Tricolores will be able to count in particular on the precious return of their opening half and scorer, Caroline Drouin, absent during the last two meetings of the Bleues. Between the tenure of Sochat at the heel, the triplet Ferer-Hermet-Romane Ménager in the third line or even Marine Ménager and Boujard on the wings, the bosses of the Bleues, Annick Hayraud and Thomas Darracq, are betting on an experienced XV to this last game.
By way of comparison, the Blues had an average of 21 selections in the victory in Scotland, against 31 for Saturday’s match. On the bench, the 69 caps of Jessy Trémoulière will also weigh heavily to manage the end of the match. Note that nine players lined up for this final of the Tournament against the “Red Roses” were present during the last tricolor success against England (18-17). It was in 2018 at the Stade des Alpes.
The composition of the Blue to face England: Deshaye, Sochat, Joyeux – Fall, Forlani – Ferer, Hermet, Menager – Sansus (m), Drouin (o) – Menager, Vernier, Filopon, Boujard, Jacquet. Replacements: Touyé, Lindelauf, Brosseau, Annery, Gros, Chambon, Tremoulière, Boulard.