England and France U20s play this evening
England travel to the Stade Guy Boniface in Mont-de-Marsan to attempt to end France’s long 120match unbeaten run in this fixture. Coach Jo Yapp makes three changes for the game, which kicks-off at 7pm (local)/6pm (GMT). (Live stream)
Published by John Birch, March 17th, 2017
5 minute read
France aiming to extend their unbeaten run to 13 games
All three changes come in the backs, where Chantelle Miell returns to the squad for the first time since the second match of the U20 summer series against Canada in August, in place of the injured Tazmin Bricknell.
Winger Jessica Breach, who scored four tries for Aylesford Bulls against Richmond in the Women’s Premiership in January, comes into the side to make her fourth appearance for the U20s with Sophie Tandy dropping to the bench.
Bristol centre Lucy Attwood, who has made two appearances for the Women’s Premiership leaders this season, also starts with Ella Wyrwas dropping out of the squad.
The pack remains unchanged with Zoe Aldcroft starting at No. 8 following her try in the 7-17 loss against France at Esher RFC on 25 February. Bristol flanker Poppy Leitch again captains the side with Saracens fly half Zoe Harrison remaining as vice-captain. Jeanine Stephenson, Holly Cunningham and Rowan White are on the bench with White looking to make her U20 debut.
Head coach Jo Yapp said: “We dominated possession and territory in the first match at Esher RFC but we just weren’t clinical enough and France punished us by taking their chances well. The players were disappointed but this level of rugby is a steep learning curve and the way they have applied themselves in our recent training camp has been a credit to them.
“We have been forced to make a few changes but I’m confident the side we have picked can go out there and improve on their performance last time. We know how strong France will be at home so it’s another huge challenge for our players but we are looking forward to seeing how they respond from the recent defeat.”
As time goes on the pressure is growing on the French team, who do not want to “let down” those who have gone before. There are few significant changes for this game - Mathilde Coutouly comes in at centre, while Ian Jason move to the wing from centre, with Léa Murie moving to the bench. Charlène Teisseyre also joins the backrow, and Madoussou Fall in the second row with Leila Bessahli moving up to prop.
France: 15. Charlotte Torres Duxans (Blagnac Saint Orens Rugby Féminin) – 14. Margaux Vandesteene (Lille Métropole RC Villeneuvois), 13. André Marcial (Stade Bordelais ASPTT), 12. Mathilde Coutouly (Stade Toulousain Rugby Féminin), 11. Ian Jason (Stade Toulousain Rugby Féminin) –10. Gabrielle Vernier (Lille Métropole RC Villeneuvois), 9. Justine Breyne (Montpellier RC) – 8. Lucie Vinacua (Stade Bordelais ASPTT), 6. Fiona Lecat (Stade Toulousain Rugby Féminin)(cap), 6. Charlène Teisseyre (Montpellier RC) – 5. Madoussou Fall (AC Bobigny), 4. Lindsey Thimon (AC Bobigny) – 3. Maélia Lapoujade (Stade Bordelais ASPTT), 2. Oksana Lagache Guery (Lons Rugby Féminin Béarn Pyrénées), 1. Leila Bessahli (USA Perpignan XV Roussillon)
Replacements : 16. Alicia Riffonneau (Ovalie Caennaise, 17. Clara Joyeux (USA Limoges), 18. Morgane Deschamps (Stade Toulousain Rugby Féminin), 19. Mélanie Daugreilh (Stade Tarbes Pyrénées Rugby), 20. Romane Silvestre (Ovalie Caennaise), 21. Maëlle Filopon (Rugby Sassenage Isère), 22. Philippine Mias (Rugby Sassenage Isère), 23. Léa Murie (Stade Bordelais ASPTT)
England U20:15. Catriona McNaney (Bristol, University of Exeter); 14. Emma Uren (Saracens, St Mary’s University, Twickenham); 13. Lagilagi Tuima (Plymouth Albion); 12. Lucy Attwood (Bristol, University of Bristol); 11. Jessica Breach (Aylesford Bulls, Chichester University); 10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens, Middlesex University); 9. Chantelle Miell (Bristol, University of Bath); ; 1. Ellena Perry (Saracens, Coventry University); 2. Hannah West (Wasps, Brunel University); 3. Ellie Mulhearn (Bristol, Filton College); 4. Molly Morrissey (Lichfield, Hartpury College); 5. Anna Wolf (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, Northumbria University); 6. Sally Stott (Vale of Lune, Edinburgh University); 7. Poppy Leitch (Bristol, University of Exeter) ©; 8. Zoe Aldcroft (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, Northumbria University)
16. Ellie Gilbert (Exeter Saracens, Hartpury College); 17. Michaella Roberts (Plymouth Albion); 18. Jeanine Stephenson (Bristol, University of Exeter); 19. Holly Cunningham (Cleve RFC, Hartpury College); 20. Rosanna Moynihan (Welwyn, Hartpury College); 21. Brooke Bradley (Bristol); 22. Rowan White (Saracens); 23. Sophie Tandy (Aylesford Bulls)