France take on the Black Ferns with four debutants

France have lost their last three games against the Black Ferns.

Without Manae Feleu and Pauline Bourdon Sansus, François Ratier hands the captaincy to scrum-half Alexandra Chambon. Alongside her, 25-year-old Elodie Fernandez makes her first start after coming off the bench against Canada (21-5) on 26 September. Lock Ylona Avril makes her debut in the starting XV, while Marion Latonnelle, Lylou Pedussaud and Charlie Gauyat could win their first caps off the bench. Full-back Morgane Bourgeois returns to the starting line-up for the first time since the 2025 World Cup.

Three defeats in a row

In our data, since 2020 France have beaten the Black Ferns three times in seven games, most recently in October 2023 (18-17). They have lost the three meetings since, including the 2025 World Cup bronze final (26-42) and the first WXV game on 12 September (14-28).

A young side

“We have a young team, with very few caps,” François Ratier said, adding that being the underdog should let his players perform “with significantly less pressure”. The other two Tests are on 24 and 31 October.

Starting XV: Bourgeois; Ibanez, Rousset, T. Feleu, Murie; Fernandez, Chambon (c); Toure, Champon, Berthoumieu; Avril, Grosz; Khalfaoui, Riffonneau, Deshaye.

Replacements: Lazarko, Bazola Allieres, Latonnelle, Roboam, Peyras, Pedussaud, Queyroi, Gauyat.