Two Six Nations Tournaments end, another begins. After Fabien Galthié’s Blues and the under-20s, it is the turn of the French women’s team to enter the fray this Saturday March 23 in Le Mans (Sarthe) against Ireland. The players of the Gaëlle Mignot-David Ortiz duo are still co-favorites, just behind England. The English – reigning world vice-champions and beaten in the final by New Zealand – remain the team to beat.
Since the appearance of the Women’s Six Nations Tournament in 2007, the XV de la Rose has won the competition 12 times for 11 Grand Slams won. Impressive. In each edition, only one match, or almost, is expected: France-England on the last day. However, the Bleues staff, made up of former international Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz, do not want to think too much about this last meeting. “Today, the girls, the staff and everyone are focused on getting into our competition well. This is essential for us. We must not forget that all nations prepare hard and I believe that the composition of Ireland is proof of this with in particular two emblematic players from rugby sevens who will join the XV.
And added: “You have to be wary of everyone. But we must also not hide from the fact that England remains the favorite and that it is an extremely important match for us because, in our development, in our construction, we want to rub shoulders with what is being done. better and this is the case for the English. But before this match, we will have to go through stages because this match will only have value if we have respected the content and the matches before.
And it’s not disrespectful to only talk about these two teams. The French, during the last edition, certainly had a complicated start against Italy (12-22) but then stuck 53 points to Ireland, 55 to Scotland and 39 to Wales. At the same time, the English had crushed Scotland (58-7), Italy (68-5) then Ireland (48-0) before winning the “final” against the Blues after a spectacular match (38-33). The level, criticized by some, also reflects the lack of resources of certain federations with, most often, players without federal contracts and therefore amateurs. But the French team is showing itself to be ambitious. Determined. And ready to fight.
Despite a breath of fresh air since the last World Cup, the French team can count on some of its irremovable executives. The three-quarter center Gabrielle Vernier, firstly, voted best player of the Tournament last season and named in the XV of the best players in the world. The young second-row Manae Feleu, promoted to captain. The excellent Pauline Bourdon Sansus, very sure in her hand and foot play, will guide her team in the scrum. The Ménager sisters, Romane and Marine, will be there, as will Emilie Boulard at the back or Gaëlle Hermet in the third row.
Behind these experienced players, the French coaches will not hesitate to launch young players. Proof of this is that young Kelly Arbey (18 years old) will start on one wing against Ireland. At 22 years old, Lina Queyroi will have the keys to the truck when it opens. Placed on the bench, the young Mwayembe, Riffonneau and Zago will show up. Assumed choices. “It is our desire, with David and since we have been in place, to create a large group with a long-term vision and a goal which is 2025. We want to integrate young people. We see that the level is increasing and that the young people are ready. Ready, you’ll have to be. After six years without a title in the Tournament, the French team wants to gain strength over the matches. Before turning definitively towards the English ogre during the last day in Bordeaux.