Black Ferns Try To Remain Unbeaten, France Gun For First Win
Black Ferns Try To Remain Unbeaten, France Gun For First Win
Can France pull off the huge upset over New Zealand?
France and New Zealand have named their lineups for Saturday's Women's Super Series clash.
The Black Ferns take their 2-0 record into a matchup with winless France. New Zealand has had little trouble dispatching of its two North American adversaries, taking down the Canadians 35-20 and the Americans 33-0, while France struggled against the power and efficiency of Canada, dropping their lone contest so far 36-19.
Cocksedge leads the way
The Black Ferns will be lead out by a new captain this round. With flanker Les Elder out, it means scrumhalf Kendra Cocksedge will take the captainship. Her leadership and consistency from week to week means she should have no problems taking on the added responsibility. Pia Tapsell, who recently received her first cap, shifts from her No. 8 spot to the blindside flank alongside Marcelle Parkes, with Charmaine McMenamin moving to No. 8. Eloise Blackwell and Charmaine Smith continue to anchor arguably the best lock combo in the world. 
Ruahei Demant holds down her place as the flyhalf, with Kelly Brazier replacing Chelsea Alley in the 12 shirt. She’ll pair up in the centers with Carla Hohepa, and the electric Selica Winiata returns to the starting lineup after getting a well-deserved rest against the Eagles on Tuesday. Rounding out the backline are Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Renee Wickliffe, who will try and maintain their good form on the wings.
Changes For France
It’s a big makeover for the French team, who introduce eight new faces to the starting 15 from their defeat against Canada.
Left over in the starting lineup from their first fixture are prop Lise Arricastre, lock Audrey Forlani, flanker Coumba Diallo, No. 8 and captain Gaelle Hermet, flyhalf Morgane Peyronnet, center Maelle Filopon, and winger Marine Menager. Pauline Bourdon gets the start at scrumhalf for this matchup, and will look to use her creative playmaking ability to keep the Black Fern defense off-balance.
Keys to the game
France will simply have to put in a better, more complete shift this Saturday than they did in their mid-week battle with Canada. After a hot start in that contest, the French side was bullied for the rest of the match by a Maple Leafs side that played with more intent and aggression than their French counterparts.
France has no shortage of talent, but to give themselves a chance to make big plays and put points on the board, they will need to compete better at the breakdown and the gain line, or it’s going to be another long day on the back foot.
For New Zealand, it’s going to be about keeping the momentum and not overlooking their opponents. The Black Ferns cannot afford a slip up in the proverbial “trap game” with England looming in their 4th and final encounter of the Super Series. However, as long as they nail down the basics, keep the penalty count low, and come out with the right mindset, this one shouldn’t be too much trouble for the Kiwis.
Prediction:
France will improve upon its less-than-stellar outing against Canada, and will hang with New Zealand for a half. But rugby is a game of two halves, and few, if any, teams have the firepower to stay with the Black Ferns for 80 minutes, and this one will be no different. New Zealand pulls away late, 38-15.
New Zealand
1. Toka Natua
2. Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate
3. Aleisha Nelson
4. Eloise Blackwell
5. Charmaine Smith
6. Pia Tapsell
7. Marcelle Parkes
8. Charmaine McMenamin
9. (C) Kendra Cocksedge
10. Ruahei Demant
11. Ayesha Leti-I'iga
12. Kelly Brazier
13. Carla Hohepa
14. Renee Wickliffe
15. Selica Winiata
Reserves
16. Luka Connor
17. Phillipa Love
18. Leilani Peresi
19. Karli Faneva
20. Kennedy Simon
21. Arihiana Tauhinu
22. Chelsea Alley
23. Alena Saili
France
1. Lise Arricastre
2. Caroline Thomas
3. Annaelle Deshaye
4. Madoussou Fall
5. Audrey Forlani
6. Celine Ferer
7. Coumba Diallo
8. (C) Gaelle Hermet
9. Pauline Bourdon
10. Morgane Peyronnet
11. Marine Menager
12. Gabrielle Vernier
13. Maelle Filopon
14. Caroline Boujard
15. Jessy Tremouliere
Reserves
16. Agathe Sochat
17. Celia Domain
18. Clara Joyeux
19. Fiona Lecat
20. Emeline Gros
21. Camille Imart
22. Laure Sansus
23. Elise Pignot