France Women "in a race against time" ahead of World Cup

France’s opening match in the Women’s Six Nations, a 27-15 win in Belfast against Ireland, allowed the coaching staff to validate several key aspects—first and foremost, the defence.

“We had clearly identified the priorities. Yes, we’re in a race against time. But we still have some time to work,” confirmed co-head coach David Ortiz.

“Our goal was to build our game on a strong defensive base, to use that to boost the players. That match gave us the confirmation we were looking for—both in terms of structure and mindset. Now we need to maintain that against a more physical side that’s going to test us in other ways.

“We also want to continue building the group and shaping a specific mindset. And we’re working on how to handle worst-case scenarios. Those small details matter in knockout-style matches. We’re treating this Six Nations like a final phase in itself.”

A final phase, and an essential step on the road to Rugby World Cup, which will be held this August and September in England—a location that makes it easy for French fans to travel. And that, Ortiz insists, is no small detail.

Because if Les Bleues put in strong performances in their two home matches—this weekend against Scotland in La Rochelle, and then against Wales in Brive two weeks later—it will only add to the momentum and encourage more fans to follow them across the channel.

“Obviously, every home game counts double,” Ortiz said. “We see this Championship as part of our journey, but the final destination is still the World Cup. With all the energy building around us, we’re going to ride that wave and build on what we achieved last week. The whole context is exciting—we hope it turns into something special.

“We’re expecting a home crowd that’s really going to lift us and bring the stadium to life. You can feel that energy building, especially with what’s happening in La Rochelle in the Top 14. We’re hoping the fans will do the same for us.”

In Cardiff later the same day, a new attendance record is expected to fall. Wales will take on the Red Roses in front of what should be a historic crowd for a standalone women’s sporting event on Welsh soil, with more than 18,000 fans expected.

The previous record for a non-tournament women’s fixture across all sports was 16,845, set in December during the Welsh women’s football team’s playoff match. In rugby, Wales already set a standalone record with 10,592 spectators for their match against Italy at the Principality Stadium on the final day of the 2024 Championship.

Crowds are growing everywhere. “Yes, you can really feel it now—6,000 people in Ireland last week,” noted co-head coach Gaëlle Mignot. “I’ve played there before, and that wasn’t always the case.”

“What really helped us last week was our ability to stay calm and resist while the Irish crowd was pushing their team whenever they had the ball. On Saturday, it’ll be the other way around—the fans will be behind us. Even in training this week, we could feel the support, and it’s going to be a real boost.”

Earlier in the week, Charlotte Escudero looked back at the last meeting between the two sides—also in Round 2 of the Six Nations, last year at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh. She came off the bench in a match where Scotland led 5-3 at half-time. A try from Kelly Arbey in the 52nd minute put France back in front, and Escudero came on shortly before the hour mark. France eventually won 15-5.

“It was on their pitch last year, so it was more complicated,” she recalled. “This time, it’s different—it’s our first home game. I think the crowd is really going to bring the energy. Last year, we were a bit all over the place. Now we’re more structured. We’re approaching this game differently.”

France have made three changes to their starting lineup against Scotland with hooker Agathe Sochat ruled out and Manon Bigot stepping into the starting lineup, whilst the absences of Nassira Konde (injury) and Gabrielle Vernier (suspension) have prompted a reshuffle in midfield.

France team v Scotland:

1. Yllana Brosseau

2. Manon Bigot

3. Rose Bernadou

4. Manaé Feleu

5. Madoussou Fall-Raclot

6. Charlotte Escudero

7. Séraphine Okemba

8. Téani Feleu

9. Pauline Bourdon-Sansus

10. Caroline Arbez

11. Mélissande Llorens

12. Montserrat Amédée

13. Marine Ménager

14. Kelly Arbey

15. Morgane Bourgeois

Replacements:

16. Élisa Riffoneau

17. Ambre Mwayembe

18. Clara Joyeux

19. Kiara Zago

20. Axelle Berthoumieu

21. Léa Champon

22. Alexandra Chambon

23. Lina Queyroi