France - South Africa: "Be courageous in defense"... The enormous challenge awaiting the Blues
After easily defeating Italy (24-0) and Brazil (84-5), the French women's XV will play their final group stage match this Sunday. In Northampton, they will face South Africa, who currently lead Group D. While the last match dates back to 2022, with a French victory at the last World Cup (40-5), the situation has changed. Indeed, the Springbok Women have been training to reduce the gap in level against European nations. This was evidenced by a training session between the two nations earlier this year, where Les Bleues had been struggling with physical impact. To respond to the commitment, co-captain Manae Feleu returns, while Madoussou Fall Raclot starts in the second row.
Gaëlle Mignot, co-manager of the French women's XV, has bitter memories of this training session: "They were on tour in France and it was an opportunity for us to welcome them and do a joint training session. We were in the middle of the Tournament. The session had been intense, with a lot of commitment. It took us a while to take in what was going to happen but we quickly understood that they were determined, that they had a message to convey and that we were going to meet. Here we are. The girls felt it but so did we: they made us understand that South Africa was coming to the World Cup to show that they had progressed, raised their level and that they were coming to seek a quarter-final. They demonstrated it on the pitch with their qualification."
Just like her coach, Manae Feleu expects a tough match: "Our team is a little lighter, and so we'll be able to run and hold on for the long haul. We know that the first twenty to forty minutes will be quite tough. We'll have to be brave in defense, on impact, and in attack. We mustn't give up, the match will last 80 minutes. We have to move a lot and be able to move them around so we can then set up our game." This afternoon, Les Bleues are aiming for the top spot in Group D of the Women's World Cup. To do so, they must win against the South Africans.
The 32 players usedCoach Swys de Bruin had promised: all 32 players in his squad would be used before the final stages. For the first time in this tournament, Babalwa Latsha will wear the armband, while Mary Zulu has been called up to fly the ball. After two victories against the Brazilians (66-6) and then against the Transalpines (29-24), the players from the southern hemisphere are aiming for a third win and a feat against Les Bleues.
In a press conference, the coach justified his decision to rotate his squad despite the possibility of losing the lead in the group: "I have confidence in each of these players to do the job, that's why they are here. The victory against Italy made it easier for us to rotate. Then, several of them left their bodies on the field during the first two matches. So we can give them a break, and I listen to the doctor as well as the fitness coach, who advised me that some of the girls take a little rest, not only physically, but also mentally. The World Cup means everything to these 32 players, and the last thing I would have wanted is to leave here leaving some of them without having set foot on the field. For years, they would have said to themselves: "I was at the World Cup, but I never had my chance." Rugby is very important, but people are even more so."
What time does France vs South Africa start?The final group match of the Women's Rugby World Cup between France and South Africa is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, September 7 at 5:45 p.m. at Franklin's Gardens. from Northampton (England).
On which channel can I watch France - South Africa?France 2, the TV rights holder for the Women's Rugby World Cup, will broadcast the match between Les Bleues and the Springbok Women.
How to watch France vs South Africa streaming?If you want to watch the final group match of the French XV in this Women's World Cup against the South Africans on your computer, smartphone or tablet, you will need to create an account on France.tv .
Who are the France - South Africa XVs?France: 15. Émilie Boulard; 14. Marine Ménager, 13. Nassira Konde 12. Gabrielle Vernier, 11. Joanna Grisez; 10. Lina Queyroi, 9. Pauline Bourdon-Sansus; 7. Axelle Berthoumieu, 8. Charlotte Escudero, 6. Léa Champon; 5. Madoussou Fall Raclot, 4. Manaé Feleu; 3. Rose Bernadou, 2. Agathe Gérin, 1. Yllana Brosseau.
South Africa: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Eloise Webb, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Maceala Samboya, 10 Mary Zulu, 9 Nadine Roos, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Lerato Makua, 5 Anathi Qolo, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (c), 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Yonela Ngxingolo.
What are the predictions for France vs. South Africa?- Betclic: France: 1.01 / Draw: 81.00 / South Africa: 8.50
- Bwin: France: 1.02 / Draw: 19.00 / South Africa: 8.25
- Parions Sport en Ligne: France: 1.02 / Draw: 30.00 / South Africa: 8.00
- Unibet: France: 1.01 / Draw: 65.00 / South Africa: 10.50
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