France include four debutants for Black Ferns clash in Hamilton

France head coach François Ratier has included four debutants in his matchday 23 to take on the Black Ferns in Hamilton.

It is the first time that Alexandra Chambon will captain the side, as both Manae Feleu and Pauline Bourdon Sansus are unavailable.

The fourth-ranked team in the world travelled to New Zealand hot on the heels of a 21-5 win against Canada to conclude their WXV Global Series.

Ylona Avril gets her first cap in the starting XV, where she partners three-cap Julia Grosz. Toulon’s Marion Latonnelle, along with Toulouse teenagers Lylou Pedussaud and Charlie Gauyat will get their first taste of international rugby from the replacements.

There is no place in the squad for the experienced Gabrielle Vernier, Carla Arbez and Amber Mwayembe.

François Ratier, France head coach, said: “We have a young team – an average age of 24 – with very few caps. Within the context of our current cycle, this is the right time to introduce new players. We need to see these younger additions in action immediately. We made this decision to help them get their foot in the door alongside the more experienced players, so we can gauge what they can contribute to the team during this cycle.

“With this group, if everyone delivers their best performance, we are capable of securing wins in New Zealand. We may not be the favourites, but that should actually help the players feel freer – allowing them to play with significantly less pressure than if we were a squad with an average of 60 caps per player, just three months out from the World Cup.”

France matchday 23 v New Zealand | WXV Global Series 2026

15. Morgane Bourgeois
14. Marie Ibañez
13. Aubane Rousset
12. Teani Feleu
11. Léa Murie
10. Elodie Fernandez
9. Alexandra Chambon (c)
1. Annaëlle Deshaye
2. Élisa Riffonneau
3. Assia Khalfaoui
4. Julia Grosz
5. Ylona Avril
6. Axelle Berthoumieu
7. Mouna Toure
8. Léa Champon

Replacements
16. Mathilde Lazarko
17. Amalia Bazola Allieres
18. Marion Latonnelle
19. Lou Roboam
20. Elsa Peyras
21. Lylou Pedussaud
22. Lina Queyroi
23. Charlie Gauyat