"It's a formidable looking midfield as Gabrielle Vernier partners Marine Menager. Pauline Bourdan Sansus will no doubt look for runners against the grain with every opportunity. Lock Madoussou Fall Raclot was a menace against South Africa. Her carrying ability, along with Charlotte Escudero's all-court game at the base of the ruck, will be key to providing France go-forward ball. Morgane Bourgeois' reliability from the tee sees her win the fullback jersey."
"Of the four quarterfinals, this one has the best chance of being a close affair. New Zealand was always going to have too much for a spirited South Africa. Canada's extra heft was always going to be too much for the plucky Aussies. England should sure have too much for a brave Scottish outfit. And even though France will start as favourites, and should have too much for Ireland, we might just have a game on here."
"France swept their group with the sensational Pauline Bourdon Sansus running the show at scrum-half (what is it with French scrummies?). But Ireland demonstrated more than pluck (though they did lose 40-0 to New Zealand). The Irish are ranked fifth in the world, one place behind the French, Though admittedly a whopping 7.03 points separate them. How many will separate them today? We'll find out together when things kick-off at 1pm BST."
France name a formidable XV with Gabrielle Vernier and Marine Menager forming the midfield and Morgane Bourgeois awarded the fullback jersey for her tee reliability. Pauline Bourdon Sansus starts at scrum-half and will look for runners against the grain. Lock Madoussou Fall Raclot impressed with destructive carries against South Africa, while Charlotte Escudero provides an all-court game at the base of the ruck to secure go-forward ball. The bench includes Deshaye, Hkalfaoui, Ikahehegi, Okemba, Feleu, Chambon and Boulard. France swept their group; Ireland sit fifth in the world one place behind France, separated by 7.03 points. Kickoff is at 1pm BST.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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