Bok Women's Pool rivals France name their World Cup squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France selected three uncapped players on Saturday in their squad for the World Cup as they bid to win the trophy for the first time.
Back-row forwards Marie Morland, 19, Khoudedia Cissokho, 26, and prop Makarita Baleinadogo, 23, are the new faces in the 32-player squad.
The tournament is being hosted by England and runs from August 22 to September 27.
The French have finished third seven times since the inaugural tournmaent in 1991, with just the United States (1991), England (1994 and 2014) and New Zealand lifting the trophy, the latter on six occasions.
Baleinadogo was not in the original squad but has been called up after Ambre Mwayembe was ruled out due to suffering a broken ankle during Thursday’s training session.
“She is a player who we have been following for a while now,” said joint head coach David Ortiz.
“Even though she has not been with us in the training camp, her profile interested us.”
Several of those who impressed in this year’s Six Nations – France pushed champions England close, losing 42-43 in the tournament climax at Twickenham in April – will form the backbone of the team.
Co-captains Manae Feleu and Marine Menager, centre Gabrielle Vernier and scrumhalf Pauline Bourdon Sansus are all set to play pivotal roles.
Bourdon Sansus, though, will sit out their opener against Italy as she is suspended for criticising refereeing.
Cover in that position will be provided by Alexandra Chambon.
Hooker Agathe Gerin and Bordeaux centre Nassira Konde make the squad after recovering from knee and concussion issues, respectively.
However, a trio of experienced hands failed to convince the selectors they were worthy of being picked.
Prop Clara Joyeux, capped 48 times, and back-row forwards Laure Touye and Emeline Gros, who have played 29 and 37 times respectively for France, were omitted.
France kick off their Pool D campaign against Italy on August 23 in Exeter, followed by matches against Brazil and South Africa.
France Squad
Forwards:
Makarita Baleinadogo (Bordeaux), Rose Bernadou (Montpellier), Axelle Berthoumieu (Bordeaux), Manon Bigot (Blagnac), Yllana Brosseau (ASM Romagnat), Lea Champon (FC Grenoble Amazones), Khoudedia Cissokho (Bordeaux), Annaelle Deshayes (Bordeaux), Charlotte Escudero (Toulouse), Madoussou Fall Raclot (Bordeaux), Manae Feleu (FC Grenoble Amazones), Teani Feleu (FC Grenoble Amazones), Agathe Gerin (Bordeaux), Hina Ikahehegi (Bordeaux), Assia Khalfaoui (ASM Romagnat), Taina Maka (FC Grenoble Amazones), Marie Morland (LOU Rugby), Seraphine Okemba (LOU Rugby), Elisa Riffonneau (FC Grenoble Amazones)
Backs:
Kelly Arbey (Toulouse), Carla Arbez (Bordeaux), Emilie Boulard (Blagnac RF), Pauline Bourdon Sansus (Toulouse), Morgane Bourgeois (Bordeaux), Alexandra Chambon (ASM Romagnat), Joanna Grisez (Bordeaux), Nassira Konde (Bordeaux), Marine Menager (Montpellier HR), Carla Neisen (Blagnac RF), Lina Queyroi (Toulouse), Lina Tuy (ASM Romagnat), Gabrielle Vernier (Blagnac RF)
