France hand debuts to five players against Canada

France come in off a win snatched while down to eleven players against Australia. Next up is the side that has scored 90 points in two matches without losing.

The independent disciplinary panel banned Ambre Mwayembe for three weeks and Cloe Correa for two after their red cards on 19 September in Aix-en-Provence. Mwayembe will cut her ban by a week through the World Rugby tackle-height programme. Both miss this match and the first Test in New Zealand.

A reshuffled back row and second row

Yllana Brosseau returns to the front row alongside Elisa Riffonneau and Assia Khalfaoui. Charlotte Escudero moves from the back row to the second row, opening a place for Mouna Toure, who was outstanding off the bench against the Wallaroos. Lea Champon switches from 7 to 8, with Axelle Berthoumieu completing the trio.

Behind, the Pauline Bourdon Sansus and Carla Arbez pairing is retained, Emilie Boulard stays at full-back and Marie Ibanez takes the wing left by Anais Grando, who drops out of the squad. The Stade Bordelais winger played every game in the French top flight last season: 16 matchday squads, 16 starts and 7 tries with the Lionnes, the French champions. Speaking to us in October 2025, she said she was hoping for a call-up.

Canada unbeaten and rotating

Canada thrashed Scotland 64-26 on 12 September, then drew 26-26 in England a week later, ending a run of 39 straight Red Roses wins. Captain Sophie de Goede is rested in La Rochelle with the home game against England in October in mind, while DaLeaka Menin will earn her 75th cap, making her Canada’s second most-capped player.

France lost 14-28 to New Zealand in Lyon before beating Australia 29-26. After this match they travel to the Black Ferns on 17 October.

First of all she is a battler. A young player, but extremely combative, and we will need that kind of profile against Canada.

Francois Ratier | Press conference