For a first match in a new competition, the draw could not have been tougher. France host the reigning world champions at Gerland.

Two debutants

François Ratier has picked two players who had never worn the France jersey. Centre Lili Dezou and Blagnac lock Julia Grosz will win their first caps on Saturday.

Assia Khalfaoui is also selected, alongside several players from the sevens circuit.

Two absentees

The squad is without Aubane Rousset and Rose Bernadou, both unavailable for the start of the competition. The hooker will therefore miss the opening match.

Across the pitch, New Zealand’s line-up includes Layla Sae and Alena Saili.

A competition still finding its shape

The Women’s XV Global Series replaces WXV without exactly taking over its format. It is not a tournament in the strict sense, with a winner decided after a classic pool stage, and the format is up for debate.

The Gerland fixture, however, is perfectly clear: France against the best team in the world, at home.