Ratier makes pair of changes to France’s starting XV for Wales

François Ratier has made two changes to his France team for their Guinness Women’s Six Nations clash with Wales at Cardiff Arms Park.

After Joanna Grisez’s ACL injury, Aubane Rousset takes a starting slot at outside centre, while Yllana Brossseau swaps places with Ambre Mwayembe as the starting loosehead prop.

In France’s first match of the Women’s Six Nations the team’s new head coach Ratier handed out six debuts to players.

This included maiden starts for Pauline Barrat, Anaïs Grando and Mathilde Lazarko, all of whom impressed with their first taste of Test rugby. Siobhan Soqeta maintains her spot among the replacements.

Both Barrat and Grando both scored tries on their debuts as Les Bleues beat Italy 40-7 at the Stade des Alpes.

It was a slow burn in Grenoble as the hosts only led 5-0 at the break thanks to Grando’s effort. In the second half Carla Arbez, Yllana Brosseau, Assia Khalfaoui, Lea Murie and Pauline Barrat all made it across the whitewash.

Barrat was the most impressive of Ratier’s debutants in Round 1 and made her international debut just several months after starring for France U20 at last year’s Women’s Super Series.

In total the 21-year-old made 23 carries and made a team-high 93 metres, which included two clean breaks.

“When I stepped onto the pitch, I had tears in my eyes,” Barrat told Six Nations Rugby. “It’s incredibly moving to reach this goal I’ve been chasing for so long, especially with the setbacks I’ve faced in my career.

“I felt some pressure, but it was a very positive pressure. In the tunnel, I started to realise what was happening, but as soon as the whistle blew, the nerves vanished. I’m soaking up every second.”

France squad v Wales

15. Pauline Barrat
14. Anaïs Grando
13. Aubane Rousset
12. Gabrielle Vernier
11. Léa Murie
10. Carla Arbez
9. Pauline Bourdon Sansus
1. Yllana Brosseau
2. Mathilde Lazarko
3. Assia Khalfaoui
4. Kiara Zago
5. Madoussou Fall Racket
6. Axelle Berthoumieu
7. Manae Feleu (C)
8. Léa Champon

Replacements
16. Elisa Riffonneau
17. Ambre Mwayembe
18. Annaëlle Deshaye
19. Siobhan Soqeta
20. Charlotte Escudero
21. Alexandra Chambon
22. Lina Queyroi
23 Téani Feleu