Less than a year before the World Cup in England, the French women’s Rugby team would undoubtedly have hoped for a better outcome at the WXV international tournament. But the Blues were largely dominated by New Zealand (39-14), Saturday October 12, in Vancouver (Canada), for their third and final match of the competition.
Lina Queyroi and her teammates conceded seven tries, scoring only two, in the first period, through third line center Emeline Gros and their captain, Manae Feleu.
Defeated by Canada for their entry into the competition (46-24), the French then won against the United States (22-14) – the only team to have no success after three matches. The Black Ferns, reigning world champions, suffered two defeats in the tournament, beaten by Ireland (29-27) and England (49-31).
France therefore finished fifth in Group 1 won by the English. The Red Roses retain their trophy, after overcoming the Canadians (21-12). The Irish finished third, the New Zealanders fourth. The United States brings up the rear.
World Cup draw
Launched in October 2023 as part of an organization of the international calendar, the WXV brings together eighteen teams, divided into three groups of six, according to their level, and is played in a cross-pool format.
WXV 1, in which Les Bleues played this year, brings together the three best teams from the Six Nations Tournament and the three best from the Pacific Four Series, an interregional tournament bringing together the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. .
The draw for the 2025 World Cup groups will take place on Thursday, October 17, at 7:20 p.m. The first four teams in the World Rugby rankings are seeded and will therefore be divided into each of the four groups. The French team is currently fourth, with a solid lead over fifth-placed Scotland.
Read also | Les Bleues du rugby in search of new opposition to “turn the corner”
Add to your selections