nine changes for the Blue against New Zealand

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The XV of France women made nine changes among its holders to challenge New Zealand, reigning world champion, Saturday (3 p.m.) in Pau, compared to its first fall match won against South Africa. After having aligned a rejuvenated team with five neophytes in front of the Boks (46-3) last Saturday in Vannes, the management wanted to rely on a more experienced training.

“New Zealand is the reigning world champion, obviously we have to engender a little more confidence. For us, it makes sense to have a team composition with more experienced players“Les Bleues manager Annick Hayraud told AFP. Five adjustments were made to the front pack with the returns of the heeler Agathe Sochat and the right pillar Annaëlle Deshayes.

The whole of the second line is modified with the tenure of Céline Ferer and Audrey Forlani. Safi Ndiaye, who scored two tries against the South Africans, is relegated to the bench and Madoussou Fall is not retained. If Emeline Gros, author of a double against the Boks, retains the position of third center line, alongside captain Gaëlle Hermet on the wing, Romane Ménager is making his return as a flanker.

At the hinge, the scrum half Laure Sansus gives way to Pauline Bourdon to evolve alongside the N.10 Caroline Drouin. Other notable changes in the back lines: the start of the pair of centers made up of Gabrielle Vernier and Maëlle Filopon as well as winger Cyrielle Banet. Emilie Boulard retains her place at the full back despite the return to the group of Jessy Trémouliere, voted best player of the decade last year.

The Black Ferns, who remain on two large defeats against England (43-12 and 56-15) for their debut in their fall campaign, lost their last two confrontations with the French, in 2019 in Chula Vista in California ( 25-16) and in 2018 in Grenoble (30-27).


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