Marine Ménager to bring up half century as France take on Canada at WXV 1

France coaches Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz have made six changes to their side for Les Bleues’ WXV 1 opener against Canada on Sunday in which Marine Ménager will win her 50th cap.

Only one of those changes comes in the pack, where flanker Axelle Berthoumieu replaces Charlotte Escudero in the number six jersey.

Among the backs, Emilie Boulard and Cyrielle Banet are out so new co-captain Ménager has been shifted from the centre to the wing, with Mélissande Llorens taking the opposite side.

In the centre, Nassira Konde retains her spot and will be partnered by Gabrielle Vernier.

Meanwhile, the Chambon-Tuy half-back pairing, tested against England, has been replaced by the more experienced duo of Pauline Bourdon-Sansus and Lina Queyroi.

On the bench, apart from Rose Bernadou, the squad is relatively young, with an average age of 24.

But the replacements are expected to make an impact, with sevens star Séraphine Okemba, who has been called up to make her WXV debut as a back-row, a particularly exciting inclusion.

“She's discovering the position,” Ortiz said. “The idea behind bringing Séraphine to the XV is to harness her determination and all of her physical, athletic, and mental qualities. The more time she spends with us, the more she plays, the more she'll develop a natural feel for the XV game.

“We work hard. She's very demanding when it comes to video analysis and her approach. We want her to maintain her authenticity. It's about finding the right balance, and her progress will come with the playing time she gets.”

Mignot added: “The team's strategy against Canada today is to go with a 6-2 formation, meaning six forwards and two backs.

“We know that Canada is a very strong and powerful team that will put up a tough fight, and our goal is to match that. We're also fortunate to have a lot of versatility in our back line. While we may be a young group, we're hardworking and highly motivated.”

France team to play Canada

15. Chloe Jacquet

14. Marine Ménager (co-captain)

13. Nassira Konde

12. Gaby Vernier

11. Melissande Llorens

10. Lina Queyroi

9. Pauline Bourdon-Sansus

1. Yllana Brosseau

2. Agathe Sochat

3. Assia Khalfaoui

4. Manaé Feleu (co-captain)

5. Madoussou Fall

6. Axelle Berthoumieu

7. Emeline Gros

8. Romane Ménager

Replacements:

16. Manon Bigot

17. Ambre Mwayembe

18. Rose Bernadou

19. Hina Ikahehegi

20. Teani Feleu

21. Séraphine Okemba

22. Alexandra Chambon

23. Lina Tuy