This is the French 23 chosen by the co-selectors to face England in the second semi-final.
15 BOURGEOIS 14 GRISEZ 13 KONDE 12 VERNIER 11 M. MENAGER 10 ARBEZ 9 BOURDON-SANSUS 1 BROSSEAU 2 GERIN 3 BERNADOU 4 FALL RACLOT 5 IKAHEHEGI 6 ESCUDERO 7 CHAMPON 8 T. FELEU
16 RIFFONNEAU 17 DESHAYE 18 KHALFAOUI 19 MAKA 20 OKEMBA 21 CHAMBON 22 TUY 23 ARBEY
They have made more than the two changes forced by the bans for Manae Feleu and Axelle Berthoumieu. Lina Queyroi, out with concussion, is replaced by Carla Arbez; a worthy competitor.
Charlotte Escudero, Player of the Match against Ireland, shifts back to 6, allowing at least one Feleu to take the field.
With Marine Menager once more moved out to the wing, her task as the sole captain becomes not a whit easier. But Nassira Konde takes charge of the 13 shirt.
One more shift to the back-line to leave you shaking your head.
The FFR has been largely silent on the bans, though Florian Grill, the President, takes the same view as Gaelle Mignot, who has now stated that such behaviour, the bite, has no place on the rugby field.
Public opinion has been more vocal. It falls into the two customary groups.
We have bitter retorts that follow two familiar lines: a. Why were all the Irish infringements completely ignored? b. What else would you expect from the Anglo-Saxon(nes)? – every member of the rugby-playing sisterhood is deemed to be English if she isn’t French.
Contrary views are expressed: what else can we expect from a coaching staff when the same faults recur match after match? (not bites but high tackles, dropped passes, etc) Why does the team keep on suffering cards?
Only a few fans give Les Bleues a chance in the encounter. Again, when will the staff find players able to match the physical power of the English? Time for a change!
Some go so far as to admit the quality of Les Red Roses across the field.
Will the French even be able to retain their third place, as traditional as Black Ferns’ wins?
