France women rugby team New Zealand, USA News (Paris/Christchurch): For their final confrontation in New Zealand this Saturday, October 31, the French women’s rugby team will attempt to create a breakthrough performance in Christchurch. Practical information regarding lineups, broadcast schedules, and channels has been detailed for fans following the match.
New Zealand versus the French XV takes place this Saturday, October 31. For their third and final match against the Black Ferns, Les Bleues will attempt to secure their first success in Christchurch. To achieve this, eight changes have been announced within the squad for the fixture.
Broadcast Information and Schedule
Since the encounter takes place in New Zealand, the French women’s team match will be broadcast in France on Saturday morning. According to Paris time, kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, October 31 at 7:10 AM at the One New Zealand Stadium.
The match will be broadcast live and free-to-air on France Télévisions and France 3 starting at 6:55 AM. Commentary will be provided by rugby commentator Matthieu Lartot alongside former international player Safi N’Diaye. The fixture will also be available on the official digital platform france.tv.
Team Lineups and Context
Eight changes have been made to the French squad compared to the previous encounter. Five regular starters are sidelined due to injuries, namely Marie Ibanez, Mouna Touré, Teani Feleu, Gabrielle Vernier, and Axelle Berthoumieu. Despite these absences, the younger lineup enters the match aiming for a strong performance.
| Team | Starting Lineup | Reserves |
|---|---|---|
| France | Boulard, Grando, Gauyat, Fernandez, Murie, Arbez, Chambon (cap.), Champon, Morland, Peyras, Correa, Roboam, Khalfaoui, Mailagi, Mwayembe | Riffonneau, Bazola Allieres, Latonnelle, Grosz, Avril, Cissokho, Pedussaud, Bourgeois |
| New Zealand | Sorensen-McGee, Tuliau-Tua’a, Du Plessis, Brunt, Leti-I’iga, Demant (cap.), Joseph, Mikaele-Tu’u, Anderson, Plum King, Bayfield, Roos, Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Ponsonby, Viliko | Green, Robinson, Taumata, Vaipulu, Sititi, Bayler, King, Paul |
The match will be refereed by Australian official Ella Goldsmith. Despite suffering two previous defeats, the French XV remains a formidable opponent for the Black Ferns, having historically tested New Zealand in previous international encounters, including a narrow semifinal defeat at the 2021 World Cup and a historic triumph in Wellington in 2023.
