Francois Ratier makes two changes for France's title decider against England

François Ratier has opted to make two changes to France’s starting pack ahead of Sunday’s Women’s Six Nations title decider against England.

Ambre Mwayembe comes in at loosehead prop Yllana Brosseau, matching Mwayembe up against England’s starter Sarah Bern as France try to match England’s set-piece power.

The other change is in the back row, with Axelle Berthoumieu replacing Charlotte Escudero. Berthoumieu has been one of France’s top tacklers in the competition so far with 55, narrowly behind team-mate Mathilde Lazarko.

Escudero drops to the bench with France opting for a six-two split to try and contain England’s pack, with the rest of their matchday 23 remaining unchanged from their 69-28 win over Scotland last weekend.

No player has produced more try assists in the competition so far than scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus, leading the Women’s Six Nations with six heading into the final day.

Discussing his selection, Ratier said: “We are back to a configuration similar to the one we used against Ireland, with complementary profiles and a 6-2 bench split. The goal is to match and dominate them physically in the forwards.

“We saw Charlotte Escudero come on against Ireland and, in my opinion, tip the balance of the match. We believe starting with Axelle Berthoumieu and finishing with Charlotte is the right setup for this moment.”

Aso for England’s unbeaten run of 37 matches, Ratier added: “They are world champions, they have won 37 games in a row, and France hasn’t beaten them since 2018. Those are the facts. We put them into perspective at the start of the week to ensure no one is living in a parallel world.”

France match day squad v England

15. Pauline Barrat
14. Anais Grando
13. Aubane Rousset
12. Teani Feleu
11. Lea Murie
10. Carla Arbez
9. Pauline Bourdon Sansus
1. Ambre Mwayembe
2. Mathilde Lazarko
3. Assia Khalfaoui
4. Siobhan Soqeta
5. Madoussou Fall Raclot
6. Axelle Berthoumieu
7. Manae Feleu (C)
8. Lea Champon

Replacements

16. Elisa Riffonneau
17. Yllana Brosseau
18. Annaelle Deshaye
19. Cloe Correa
20. Kiara Zago
21. Charlotte Escudero
22. Alexandra Chambon
23. Lina Queyroi