François Ratier makes eight changes to France XV after Black Ferns thrashing

François Ratier has made eight changes to his starting XV in response to France’s 81-12 drubbing at the hands of the Black Ferns a week ago.

Last week in Hamilton, a young squad selected by the head coach were comprehensively beaten by a rampant New Zealand side. For that fixture, Ratier included several debutants in his team, but has now turned to some of his more experienced players ahead of the second Test in Whang?rei.

This includes the return to the starting team of Émilie Boulard, Gabrielle Vernier and Carla Arbez. Both Ambre Mwayembe and Cloé Correa have returned to the squad after serving their bans.

Anaïs Grando replaces Léa Murie on the wing, while Mathilde Lazarko is installed at hooker ahead of Élisa Riffonneau, who started the last three Tests. Lou Roboam is included as a starter for the first time after making appearances from the bench against Canada and the Black Ferns.

Already in the WXV Global Series, France have lost two Tests against the Black Ferns. A third defeat — or even a fourth next week — would leave a sour mood around this developing French squad until the 2027 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

France head coach François Ratier said: “Naturally, they would have preferred to kick off their campaign with a win back in France. But instead, they’re making their debut in New Zealand against what is currently the best team in the world.

“New Zealand — well, we’ll see how things evolve over time — but right now, they are the best. It’s simply a matter of making sure everyone is on the same page regarding what just happened, where we currently stand in our cycle, and where we go from here. That’s all there is to it. There aren’t different layers or levels to our discussions with the players.

“The younger ones listen, they learn, and one day they will be in a position to perform against this calibre of team — and they’ll remember that things weren’t always this way.”

15. Émilie Boulard14. Marie Ibañez13. Gabrielle Vernier12. Teani Feleu11. Anaïs Grando10. Carla Arbez9. Alexandre Chambon (captain)1. Ambre Mwayembe2. Mathilde Lazarko3. Assia Khalfaoui4. Lou Roboam5. Cloé Correa6. Axelle Berthoumieu7. Mouna Toure8. Léa Champon

Replacements16. Élisa Riffonneau17. Amalia Bazola Allieres18. Marion Latonnelle19. Julia Grosz20. Elsa Peyras21. Lylou Pedussaud22. Lina Queyroi23. Charlie Gauyat