France has announced their starting lineup for the Black Ferns, which includes Menager’s comeback
France’s number eight Romane Ménager will start against hosts New Zealand in the semifinals at Eden Park after missing the previous two games due to a concussion sustained in the team’s 13-7 defeat to England in the pool stages.
In their last matchup in November 2021, France won 29-7 against New Zealand with nine of the players chosen to this semi-starting final’s lineup. At Castres, the starting lineup of Agathe Sochat, Annalle Deshaye, Céline Ferer, captain Galle Hermet, Romane Ménager, Pauline Bourdon, Caroline Drouin, Gabrielle Vernier, and Mallé Filopon. Clara Joyeux and Emilie Boulard also played, albeit from the bench.
Charlotte Escudero moves to openside flanker while Marjorie Mayans is benched due to Ménager’s comeback at number eight.
Safi N’Diaye, France’s most-capped player, will be making her 90th test appearance off the bench. Célia Domain will replace Laure Touye as the reserve hooker.
France has won four straight matches against the Black Ferns, starting in November 2018. However, this will be their first meeting in New Zealand.
Despite making it to the last four in eight of the nine World Cups, France has never won the tournament.
The French ( France ) lineup taking against the All Blacks
Annaëlle Deshaye
Agathe Sochat
Clara Joyeux
Céline Ferer
Madoussou Fall
Gaëlle Hermet (captain)
Charlotte Escudero
Romane Ménager
Pauline Bourdon
Caroline Drouin
Marine Ménager
Gabrielle Vernier
Maëlle Filopon
Joanna Grisez
Emilie Boulard
Célia Domain
Coco Lindelauf
Assia Khalfaoui
Safi N’Diaye
Marjorie Mayans
Alexandra Chambon
Lina Queyroi
Chloé Jacquet
