France reshuffle XV with four personnel changes for England semi-final

Carla Arbez has been named in France’s run-on side at fly-half ahead of this weekend’s semi-final against England. This will be Arbez’s second start of the tournament, while Lina Queyroi drops out of the matchday 23.

France have made three other personnel and two positional changes to their starting XV, which includes that change at fly-half. Hina Ikahehegi comes into the run-on side to replace suspended co-captain Manae Feleu in the second row.

Charlotte Escudero shifts from number eight to blindside flanker, replacing the suspended Axelle Berthoumieu. That change has seen Teani Feleu shift from the replacements into the starting side, set to pack down at the back of the scrum as the No. 8.

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Marine Menager will also line up in a different position on Saturday afternoon in Bristol. Menager started at outside centre in the quarter-final win over Ireland, but has been named on the left wing in place of Kelly Arbey, who drops to the bench.

Taina Maka, Nassira Konde and Elisa Riffonneau have all been named on the bench. Lina Tuy will look to make a difference when called upon, picked as fly-half cover, replacing Emilie Boulard as an impact player on the bench.

Yllana Brosseau will pack down alongside Agathe Gerin and Rose Bernadou in the front row, while Madoussou Fall Raclot and Ikahehegi are the locks. The back-row trio is made up of Escudero, Lea Champon at openside, and Feleu at number eight.

Pauline Bourdon Sansus has been retained at scrum-half, set to partner Arbez in the halves. Gaby Vernier joins Nassira Konde in the midfield, with Menager and Joanna Grisez on the wings. Morgane Bourgeois rounds out the run-on side at fullback.

France are looking to end a run of 16 consecutive defeats to England, with the Red Roses last losing to Les Bleues in 2018.

This semi-final at Bristol’s Ashton Gate will kick off at 3:30 pm local time on Saturday.

France team for semi-final at 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup

1. Yllana Brosseau
2. Agathe Gerin
3. Rose Bernadou
4. Madoussou Fall Raclot
5. Hina Ikahehegi
6. Charlotte Escudero
7. Lea Champon
8. Teani Feleu
9. Pauline Bourdon Sansus
10. Carla Arbez
11. Marine Menager
12. Gaby Vernier
13. Nassira Konde
14. Joanna Grisez
15. Morgane Bourgeois

Replacements

16. Elisa Riffonneau
17. Annaelle Deshaye
18. Assia Khalfaoui
19. Taina Maka
20. Seraphine Okemba
21. Alexandra Chambon
22. Lina Tuy
23. Kelly Arbey